
}rk*yy. 






I 



Class T * Z- 7 

Book '^R & 1 {?F~ 


Copyright N°. 


COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 


t 













































FOUR GIRLS 




















































































• H 














































A 

% 
















m 

S. • ! f 'WJCr . ■ ■ 




“ Will you two ladies accept my escort ?” 



FOUR 

GIRLS 

THE STORY OF REALIZED 
===== AMBITION == 


BY 

MARY RODNEY 



THE C. M. CLARK PUBLISHING 
COMPANY, 

BOSTON, MASS., 1906 



Copyright, 1906 


THE C. M. CLARK PUBLISHING .CO., 


Boston, Mass. 


Entered at 

Stationer’s Hall, London. 



Dramatic and all other 
Rights Reserved 


Published in June, 1906. 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two Conies Received 


JUL 26 1906 

CoE>yiit-ui Entry 
CLASS Ct XXc. No. 

/ 3 ZV-76 

COPY B. 




Contents 


Chapter 

I. 

The Commencement 

Page 

I 

II. 

Marion’s Illness 

9 

III. 

An Unexpected Arrival 

19 

IV. 

Langly Hall 

27 

V. 

Ethel’s Portrait 

33 

VI. 

The Visit . 

45 

VII. 

The Lawn Party 

53 

VIII. 

Agitation . 

65 

IX. 

Blighted Reason 

74 

X. 

Mother and Son 

88 

XI. 

Preliminaries 

98 

XII. 

Sunnydale 

105 

XIII. 

Love at First Sight . 

114 

XIV. 

A Proposal 

125 

XV. 

A Pleasant Surprise 

135 

XVI. 

Exchanging Confidence 147 

XVII. 

The Excursion . 

160 




Chapter 

CONTENTS 

Page 

XVIII. 

The Bonfire 

174 

XIX. 

A Moonlight Sail 

183 

XX. 

Homeward Bound 

190 

XXI. 

The Death 

194 

XXII. 

The Funeral 

204 

XXIII. 

Connubial Rites 

21 1 

XXIV. 

Ethel’s Wedding Day 

220 

XXV. 

After Two Years 

223 


Illustrations 



Page 

“Will you two ladies accept 


my escort ? ” ( Frontispiece ) 

148 

“ And this is Ethel ?” 

4 

“They heard the rustling of 


leaves and saw Ethel” 

21 * 

“Ethel had risen from the 


piano” .... 

42 

“They had stopped beside one 


of the fountains” 

49 

“We’s at the stopping place, 


ladies” .... 

no 

“We shall meet again tomor- 


row” 

123 

“It was a jolly party that sat 


down to supper” 

147 

“He brought her in safety to 


the bank” .... 

171 

“In a moment Robert had her 


in his arms” 

215 



f 


FOUR GIRLS 


CHAPTER I 

THE COMMENCEMENT 

Two girls sat beneath the shade of a large, 
spreading oak, on their last day of school life. 

Grand old oaks were plentiful in those beau- 
tiful grounds. The college was situated in 
one of the oldest towns in Mississippi, and 
those majestic ornaments of nature had 
been growing for centuries, spreading their 
branches in every direction, aff ording shade to 
all who wished to avail themselves. 

Ethel Easton was tall and slender, with soft 
hazel eyes and wavy brown hair which, when 
the sun shone on it, made a glimmer of amber 
light, the threads looking as though the brown 
in it was self-luminous. Her complexion was 


FOUR GIRLS 


2 

clear, soft, and pearly white, and when the 
faint color mantled her cheeks, she was won- 
drously beautiful. 

Marion Roseland was short, but her well- 
rounded figure showed to an advantage in the 
tight-fitting gowns she always wore. Her 
complexion was one of olive hue, her hair of 
raven blackness ; but her chief charm lay in the 
fathomless dark eyes which could change with 
every emotion of their owner; they were fasci- 
nating and bewitching. 

“ Ethel, can you realize that this is the last 
day in our old school? Sometimes I feel glad 
that all of our hard study is at an end ; then a 
feeling of sadness comes over me, for we are 
both young and do not know what the future 
has in store for us. Our lives can readily be 
compared to ships, loosed from moorings and 
launched on the bosom of the mighty deep ; 
they may have a safe voyage and all be well, or 
they may be tossed and driven by the storm. 


THE COMMENCEMENT 


3 


wind, and tide, until, at their journey’s end, 
they will only be shattered wrecks.” 

Ethel, looking up, was surprised to find 
Marion’s dark eyes filled with tears. “ Come, 
dear, cheer up, you must not be so melancholy. 
Let us hope that the future holds nothing but 
sunshine, and that we may be spared a long 
life of happiness; come, let us go to the 
house.” 

They linked arms and walked toward the 
grand old structure which had been their 
home for the last five years, and which they 
were to leave this evening with honors. 

Dresdale was asked to address the graduates. 

“ Young ladies,” he began, “ this being your 
commencement day, it is, in one sense of the 
word, the commencement of your lives; for it 
is the most important event, except one.” Here 
he paused, which gave the audience time to 
realize that he was referring to marriage, and 
they smiled while the young ladies blushed, as 


4 


FOUR GIRLS 


he continued: “ And I would like to give you 
some advice ; but you would not heed it, as each 
has his own way to make in the world, and the 
advice of others is set at naught. 

I will only say, youth is ambitious for 
money, fame, and honor, yet you may achieve 
all these things and fail. Some of the greatest 
failures have been really the greatest successes. 
And now my parting advice to the young ladies 
is, always be true to yourselves, and you will 
find your path through life bereft of many a 
thorn.” 

After the commencement exercises were 
over, friends and relatives gathered around the 
graduates to congratulate them. Marion and 
Ethel were standing apart from the gay throng 
talking, when Bertrand Roseland, Marion’s 
brother, joined them. 

“ And this is Ethel, my little playmate, 
grown almost beyond recollection,” he said, as 
he advanced holding out his hand. 


“ And this is Ethel 








THE COMMENCEMENT 


5 


“ I do not think I would have recognized 
you, Mr. Roseland,” she answered, 44 for it has 
been seven years since we last met.” 

“ I suppose I shall have to say 4 Miss Eas- 
ton,’ now, as you are no more a school girl, but 
a full-fledged young lady.” 

44 1 am always Ethel to my friends,” she 
said, as she raised her large hazel eyes to his 
f ace. In that glance, she took in the deep blue 
eyes, with long sweeping lashes, a crown of 
light brown hair which curled in small ringlets 
on his high, intellectual brow ; the delicate mus- 
tache which almost hid the firm but well-shaped 
mouth, the aquiline nose and fair complexion; 
withal, a very handsome man, one that any 
girl might be proud to win. That thought 
caused a slight blush to suffuse her face; for a 
chord had been touched in her nature which 
seemed to reverberate as if touched by the 
magic wand of love, and which never again 
would be silenced at her command. 


6 


FOUR GIRLS 


Bertrand caught a glimpse of the tell-tale 
blush and sparkling eye, as he remarked : 

“ Your thoughts must have been very pleas- 
ant just then, Miss Ethel; may I not share 
them? ” 

“ There are some thoughts that are better 
left unspoken,” she answered. 

“ I might have known that I would be re- 
buked for my audacity, so ask your forgive- 
ness. Let me congratulate you and Marion 
on the success of your essays; they showed 
exceptional talent.” 

“We tried our best; but the exertion has 
proved too much for Marion. See how tired 
she looks,” and they both glanced at the slight 
figure who had left them and was making her 
way to her mother. 

“ I hope your surmises are incorrect, and 
that she will be herself after she rests ; but how 
very thoughtless of me to keep you standing 
all this time. Come, let us retire to the cozy 


THE COMMENCEMENT 7 

corner, where we can have a chat, all to our- 
selves.” 

They talked until the party broke up and 
each went to his respective resting-place. 
Long after the lights were out and everyone 
seemed wrapped in slumber, Ethel Easton sat 
beside her window, looking out on the starlit 
firmament above and the rose-bedecked garden 
below, from which the most delicate perfume 
was wafted, impregnating the entire atmos- 
phere which surrounded her; but she paid no 
heed to nature’s grandeur, for her thoughts 
were of the man whose acquaintance she had 
renewed that night. Why did he haunt her 
vision? Why drive sleep from her eyelids? 
Surely if this was love, there was more bitter 
than sweet in the contemplation. Could she 
hide her secret, or would her actions betray her? 
No, she would be of Spartan courage and so 
conduct herself as to let others think her light- 
hearted and gay, even frivolous, if need be. 


8 


FOUR GIRLS 


It was thus her thoughts ran on, until 
Marion, moving uneasily in her sleep, aroused 
her, and going to the bedside, Ethel looked 
down on the sleeper. Thinking she saw some- 
thing unnatural in Marion’s face, she at once 
awoke her. 

“ Why, Ethel, have you not gone to bed? ” 
was Marion’s response. “ Come, undress your- 
self at once.” Ethel, obeying her, retired, and 
soon both girls were in dreamland. 


CHAPTER II 

Marion’s illness 

The following morning everything was in 
confusion at the college building; the grad- 
uates were separating, each going to her re- 
spective home to fill her vocation in life. 
Parting is a dismal thing! Many of the 
scholars had wound themselves in the affec- 
tions of their teachers, and the breaking of that 
bond of friendship caused many a tear and 
heartfelt sorrow. 

Marion and Ethel, as they were leaving the 
old familiar scenes, dropped many a tear; but 
youth is ever hopeful, for it has the future, 
which, to look forward to, has a brilliant 
aspect. So the girls, forgetting their sor- 
row, were soon chatting merrily. When they 
reached the station Ethel noticed that Marion 
was very pale, and that she visibly shook, so 

9 


10 


FOUR GIRLS 


terribly was her nervous system affected. 
Taking her hand, Ethel said: 

“ Marion, you are completely worn out ; you 
have worked so hard that I know your brain is 
all confusion; a rest will bring you out all 
right.” 

“ It may, but I am dubious, for I really feel 
ill.” 

“ Well, lean your head on my shoulder and 
try to sleep, it may do you good,” Ethel an- 
swered. 

“ You dear, unselfish girl; you, too, must be 
worn out; so I will not tax your strength, but 
will lean on Mamma.” 

Her head dropped wearily on her mother’s 
shoulder, and she soon fell into a troubled slum- 
ber. She was uneasy, and Mrs. Roseland, 
looking at her, saw the hot flush mantling her 
cheek and felt her feverish brow; then she 
knew that her daughter was going to pay a 
heavy penalty for her distinction. 


MARIONS ILLNESS 


11 


Fortunately, their railroad journey was not 
very long, as they lived in the adjoining State 
of Louisiana, in one of the Southern parishes. 
When they reached home, a physician was im- 
mediately called, who, when he had examined 
the patient, pronounced her malady brain 
fever. 

How her mother wished she had persuaded 
Bertrand to stay; but he had parted from them 
at the depot to go back to his duties. He had 
chosen a physician’s life as a calling, and he 
could now have been of great assistance. 

For days and weeks Marion’s life hung on 
a single thread. How patiently the mother 
watched and cooled the fevered brow of the 
sufferer when she raved and tossed in her de- 
lirium! Sometimes Marion supposed herself 
on a ship, tossed about on the billowy waves, 
and then her mother’s hand was the rudder to 
prevent it from dashing against the huge rocks 
which constantly arose to gigantic heights. At 


12 


FOUR GIRLS 


such times Marion would grasp the hand so 
tightly as to cause pain. Then, suddenly, the 
sea would be calmed. Marion would then be 
so still that the frightened mother and nurse 
would try to arouse her. 

“ Listen! ” she would say, “ don’t you hear 
the moaning of the wind through the trees? 
Hush, it will reach us soon, then the ship will 
glide on.” 

It was a blessed relief to the watchers when 
that wind did “ reach the ship.” 

Ethel was a constant visitor, and breathed 
many a prayer for her recovery. 

Mr. Roseland had sent for Bertrand, who 
came immediately. He was completely 
shocked at the change in his sister; for these 
two loved each other with a fondness which no 
earthly hand could sever. 

Tenderly he watched by her bedside for 
weeks, then, finding that she would live, he was 
obliged to ref rn his duties before she had 


MARIONS ILLNESS 


13 


recognized him. All during the winter it was 
a struggle between life and death ; but Marion’s 
strong constitution came to her rescue and the 
former gained the ascendency. 

Little by little she began to recover, and 
when the pleasant days of spring came she 
was able to sit in a chair by the window and 
feel the warm sunshine as it thrilled her every 
nerve, putting new life and vigor into her 
wasted frame. She also watched the pinioned 
songsters as they joyously flitted from bough 
to bough, singing their glad tidings of the re- 
opening of another beautiful spring. The 
trees, too, were again dressing themselves in 
their bright mantles of green, refreshing to 
behold! 

Marion raised her eyes from all this gor- 
geousness of nature, and let them rest on the 
faithful mother as she glided about the room, 
putting it in order. 

“ Mamma, dear, your sw~et f ce is worn and 


14 


FOUR GIRLS 


thin ; my sickness has been a great tax on your 
strength; for I know whose hand it was that 
cooled my brow. I could always tell when you 
were near me, and I missed you when you left. 
I do not see how you stood it! ” 

“ It was prayer that sustained me, daughter; 
through the long, dreary days and nights it 
was on my lips. But I never lived through 
your sickness, Marion, I only existed, and I 
pray God that we may never be called on to 
go through such an ordeal again.” 

“Poor Papa! I noticed this morning that 
he, too, had suffered; how glad he was when 
I recognized him; he looks as if a dreadful load 
had been lifted from his mind.” 

“ Yes, it was hard for him, Marion, to leave 
you day after day to go to his business, never 
knowing what time he might be summoned to 
give you up; it was a terrible ordeal.” 

“Mamma, there was someone else by my 
side while I was sick; I sometimes imagined it 


MARION’S ILLNESS 


15 


was Bertrand, for his presence seemed to have 
a soothing effect; tell me, was it he? ” 

Her mother smiled, as she answered: “ Yes, 
Marion, it was he, and he stayed until you 
were out of danger; then he was obliged to 
return.” 

44 Oh, if I could only have recognized him, 
for I should have loved to have seen him so 
much. Did Ethel meet him? ” 

“ Yes, they went walking twice together, but 
Bertrand could hardly be persuaded to leave 
you.” 

While they were conversing there came a 
knock at the door. Mrs. Roseland answered 
it, and there stood Ethel. 

44 How is the sick girl to-day? ” she said, as 
she came forward and kissed her. 

44 1 am feeling stronger each day. I will 
soon be able to go out; and I know the fresh 
air will do me a world of good.” 

44 It is a lovely morning, Mrs. Roseland; do 


16 FOUR GIRLS 

you think it would hurt her to take a little 

walk? ” 

“No, it might strengthen her.” So saying, 
her mother brought her wraps, and the two 
girls started off. They sat down on a rustic 
seat under the shade of a large magnolia tree. 
Marion seemed to drink in the pure fresh 
air as it came down through the perfumed 
branches, and every draught seemed to give 
her new life, for she had only been there a few 
minutes when a faint color crept up to her pale 
cheeks and a new light into her dark eyes. 

“ Ethel,” she said, “ we do not half appre- 
ciate life until we have almost lost it; but there 
is one thing that sickness does, that is, to test 
friendship, and yours has stood the test and 
come out pure gold; I shall always remem- 
ber you with gratitude and love.” 

“You cannot realize how I missed you, 
Marion, for I had planned for us to have such 
a good time together, and your getting sick 


MARION’S ILLNESS 


17 


spoiled it all. But never mind ; I am glad you 
are over it, and we will enjoy ourselves all the 
more. 

“I have some news for you,” continued 
Ethel; “the old Hawthorne place has been 
purchased by an Englishman, whose name is 
Weather stone, and he has made a perfect 
palace out of it. The family have been here 
a month and Mamma and I called on them.” 

“ Did you find them agreeable? ” 

“ Very much so. Mrs. Weatherstone is an 
invalid, but so pleasant. The two girls are 
lively and full of fun.” 

“ What are their names, Ethel? ” 

“ Maud and Luella; then there is a brother 
whom I did not see; they called him Robert. 
He has just returned from abroad, where he 
has been for the last three years.” 

“ I am glad that you like them, Ethel, for 
they will be quite an acquisition to the neigh- 
borhood.” 


18 


FOUR GIRLS 


“ I received a dainty penned note from Mrs. 
Weatherstone this morning, Marion, and she 
said they would be pleased to spend the even- 
ing with me next Thursday if agreeable. I 
want you to meet them, so you must come to 
stay all night with me. I know you will be 
well enough.” 

“ Yes, I am sure I will, for I am already 
feeling myself again, and now, Ethel, let us go 
to the house, for it is growing a little chilly and 
I feel the effects of it.” 

As they entered the room, Mrs. Roseland 
met them. “ Why, Marion, darling, you have 
roses in your cheeks. Your airing has im- 
proved you.” 

“Yes, Mamma, I feel much stronger; air 
tonic and charming company are very invig- 
orating.” 


CHAPTER III 


AN UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL 

It was dusk and Marion and her mother were 
seated in the drawing-room conversing, when 
they heard footsteps on the gravel walk, and 
the former, looking up, exclaimed: 

“ Oh, Mamma, there comes Bertrand!” 
Quick as a flash she ran to meet him. “ Well, 
this is a surprise,” she continued. “ Why did 
you not write and tell us you were coming? ” 

“ Simply because I was not sure of it myself 
until the last minute; are you not glad to see 
me, Marion?” 

“ Indeed I am,” and to prove her enthusias- 
tic feelings, she threw her arms around his 
neck and almost smothered him with kisses. 

“ There, Marion, I believe you ; actions speak 

19 


20 


FOUR GIRLS 


louder than words,” he said, laughingly, as he 
released himself from her embrace. Then tak- 
ing her by the hand, they walked toward where 
their mother stood. 

It was a happy family who seated themselves 
around the supper table that night; for Ber- 
trand’s arrival was a delight to all. 

The next morning Bertrand proposed a 
walk down by the old brook, where they used 
to play so often when they were children. 

“ And worry the life out of me by getting 
yourselves wet so often, why don’t you add,” 
laughingly remarked his mother. 

“ Oh, that part of it was conveniently for- 
gotten, Mother, for the recollection always 
leaves a little sting, for it brings very vividly 
to my mind a little oleander switch behind the 
door,” and looking at his mother with eyes 
fairly dancing, he took Marion’s hand and 
started for their walk. Looking back, Marion 
remarked: 



“ And looking up saw Ethel.” 


« 
































■ » 



AN UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL 21 

“ If Ethel should come, Mother, send her 
after us.” 

“ What a lovely place this is in the early 
spring,” said Bertrand. “ When I left Wash- 
ington it was cold, and there was a driving 
sleet which chilled one’s very bones, yet here 
the air is balmy and the flowers are everywhere 
in bloom. There is no place like ‘ the Sunny 
South 9 after all.” 

“ Yes, Bertrand, I love the old familiar 
scenes and I do not think I could ever be con- 
tented to leave them.” 

When they reached the brook, Bertrand 
pulled some of the moss, which grew on the 
old oak trees, and made a comfortable seat for 
his sister by the side of the running water. 
Then throwing himself at full length beside 
her, he commenced reading from an interesting 
book which he had brought with him. Soon 
they heard the rustling of the leaves, and look- 
ing up, saw Ethel. 


22 


FOUR GIRLS 


Dressed in a light, sheer lawn and blue rib- 
bons, her large leghorn hat trimmed with blue- 
bells and daisies, and through the lace which 
fell from her silken parasol, she looked a vision 
of loveliness to Bertrand as he jumped up to 
meet her. 

“ This is a great pleasure, Miss Ethel,” he 
said, as he extended his hand and shook the 
small gloved one that was placed in his. 

“ And your presence to me is a greater sur- 
prise,” she returned, “ for I had no idea of 
seeing you ; won’t I give Mrs. Roseland a talk- 
ing to when I get back! No wonder she was 
so demure when I asked her where Marion 
was.” 

“ What did she say, Ethel? ” laughed 
Marion. 

“ She told me that you were here and that 
you had left word for me to join you; but she 
did not tell me that you had company.” 

“ I guess she knew if she told you I was 


AN UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL 23 

here, that you would not have come; so I am 
delighted she showed so much discretion. I 
hope, though, that you are not disappointed in 
finding me, instead of only Marion, moping 
away her time in awful solitude.” 

“ Oh, I will forgive you this time for start- 
ling me so,” she laughingly replied. “ When 
did you arrive? ” 

“ Last night. I was given a short vacation, 
and I took advantage of it to come to see how 
Marion was progressing.” 

“ And I know she will appreciate your visit, 
for she has been very much worried over not 
recognizing you when she was sick.” 

“ Indeed, I am glad to see him,” put in 
Marion. “ But come, Ethel, and share my 
mossy seat, and we can all imagine ourselves 
children again; for this used to be our favorite 
playground, if you remember? ” 

“ I cannot have such a vivid imagination un- 
less Miss Ethel should consent to our being 


24 


FOUR GIRLS 


sweethearts again and enacting the kissing 
part,” said Bertrand jokingly. 

Ethel blushed. 

“ Shame on you, Bertrand; how could you 
be so naughty as to refer to that? ” 

“Well, really, little sister, that is the part 
most worthy of remembrance in my estimation, 
and as we are to be children again, I could not 
see the impropriety of it. But if you both so 
seriously object, I withdraw the condition.” 

“ How long do you contemplate remaining 
here, Mr. Roseland?” inquired Ethel. 

“ About a week, then I must return to my 
duties.” 

“ I am real glad you are not going away any 
sooner, as you will be able to be presented to 
our new neighbors; they are coming to spend 
the evening with me on Thursday.” 

“ Well, how am I to meet them, when I have 
not even had an invitation to your social 
gathering?” Bertrand replied. 


AN UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL 25 


“ If I were you, Ethel,” suggested Marion, 
“ I would not give him any just to spite him.” 

“Seriously, who are these new arrivals?” 
asked Bertrand. “ I had not heard of any.” 

“ The old Hawthorne place has been bought 
by a Mr. Weatherstone, and there are two 
charming young ladies,” answered Marion. 

“ That is certainly good news, for if there 
is anything I adore in this creation, it is young 
ladies! ” 

Every fiber of Ethel Easton’s being was 
aroused by his very presence ! How her pulses 
throbbed at the sound of his voice! 

Yet how calm and complacent he was. Lit- 
tle did he guess how this vision of female love- 
liness had completely centered her life in his; 
how hard it was for her to control her very 
being while she talked on commonplace sub- 
jects, and when her heart was thirsting for one 
sign or look by which to know that there was 
one responsive chord in his bosom for her. But 


26 FOUR GIRLS 

no, there was no sign of love in liis face as he 
turned his eyes on her, and not being able to 
stand the strain any longer, she looked at her 
watch, and exclaimed: 

“Why, it is twelve o’clock! The time has 
passed so pleasantly that I forgot how it was 
flying; I must really he going.” 

“Do not think of such a thing, Ethel, until 
you have had luncheon. There, I see Mamma 
waving to us now,” said Marion. 

Bertrand assisted the ladies to arise, and the 
trio walked toward the house. 


CHAPTER IV 

LANGLY HALL 

The Weatherstones were English people. 
Five years before moving to this locality, Mr. 
Weatherstone, a retired banker of London, 
while on a tour of the Southern States, had 
passed through Louisiana and had stopped at 
this large plantation. Being very much im- 
pressed with the place and its surroundings, 
he inquired if it could be bought. The owners 
had been immensely wealthy in the days of 
slavery; but like many others, their money lay 
in these same serfs. But, for many years, this 
family had been in reduced circumstances; so 
much so, that they felt obliged to sell their 
ancestral home and were very glad to find a 
willing purchaser. 

Mr. Richard Weatherstone had the house 


27 


28 


FOUR GIRLS 


entirely renovated, and turned the cane and 
cotton fields into beautiful groves, lovely gar- 
dens, and flowing fountains. The avenue lead- 
ing to the house was what impressed him most, 
being of pearly white shells, ground fine, mak- 

i 

ing this roadway contrast beautifully with the 
green leaves of the large majestic oaks which 
lined both sides, and from which hung in fes- 
toons the moss of ages. When all was in readi- 
ness, he sent for his family and intended to 
settle in their Southern home. 

Mrs. Weatherstone, Maud, and Luella, 
when they caught a glimpse of their beautiful 
residence, were completely overjoyed. As they 
stood on the wide veranda, looking over the 
vast domain, a feeling of awe engulfed them 
as if some fairy enchantress had waved her 
wand, and, at her command, the trees and 
bushes had mantled themselves, while the foun- 
tains played, sending forth their silvery sprays 
into the perfumed air. 


LANGLY HALL 


29 


“ This is a superb home, Richard,” said his 
wife, laying her hand softly on her husband’s 
arm and glancing fondly at him. “ We ought 
to be happy here.” 

“ I have tried my best to please you,” he re- 
sponded. 

“ Well, you have succeeded beyond our 
greatest expectations.” 

Maud and Luella tripped down the steps 
and bounded through the walks, until they 
came to a pretty summer-house built under the 
spreading branches of a large tree. 

“ Is this not a grand place,. Maud? I never 
saw anything half so beautiful! ” and Luella’s 
large gray eyes opened wide and her face 
shone radiantly as she took in the grandeur 
of the scene. 

Luella was of medium height, with light 
golden hair, which hung in long ringlets from 
her shapely head. She was only seventeen and 
had not taken to piling up her hair in the latest 


80 


FOUR GIRLS 


fashion. Her complexion was fair and deli- 
cate, her step light and elastic; her whole na- 
ture brimming over with the joyousness of 
youth. 

Maud was tall and stately, and each move- 
ment was the very embodiment of grace; 
her beautiful blue eyes and classical features 
would rival any, and her hair was of the dark- 
est brown. 

“ Robert may be expected any time now,” 
their father was saying when they returned to 
the house; “ for I received a letter from him 
to-day to that effect.” 

“That is good news, Richard; I think he 
has wandered about long enough; it is time for 
him to settle down,” replied the mother. 

“ And marry one of the country girls,” 
laughingly responded the husband. 

“ Not exactly that, but he might take some 
interest in a place which will some day be his.” 

“ You are right; his place is here now.” 


LANGLY HALL 


31 


They had scarcely finished speaking when 
they, heard carriage wheels, and, looking up, 
saw the vehicle stop, then a gentleman alight 
and walk toward them. 

“Why, there he is now!” exclaimed Mr. 
Weatherstone, and he started down the steps 
to meet his son. “ My dear boy, how are you? ” 
he continued as he grasped his hand. “We 
were just talking about you.” 

“ We? Have Mother and the girls arrived? ” 

“ Yes, they came to-day; so there will be a 
happy family reunion.” 

They had reached the door where his mother 
was waiting with outstretched arms and tears 
of joy in her eyes to welcome him home. He 
clasped her fragile form in his strong embrace 
and fondly kissed her. 

“ It is good to be with you all once again, 
after roving so much,” he said. 

“ And you will stay with us, Robert? ” his 
mother asked, timidly. 


32 


FOUR GIRLS 


“ Yes, Mother, I will remain with you, for 
truly there is no more restful place than home.” 

The girls rushed to meet him and almost 
overwhelmed him with kisses and caresses. 

Robert Weatherstone’s sudden home-coming 
was an unexpected joy that day, and, after a 
happy evening together, Mrs. Weatherstone 
suggested that they retire, as all were tired 
from their journeys. 


CHAPTER V 

ethel’s portrait 

Ethel lived with her parents in a beautiful 

home in the town of S ■, where they enjoyed 

all the comforts of life, with money at their 
command. Mr. Easton had been one of the 
long-sighted gentlemen of the South, for, just 
before the war, he had owned a large planta- 
tion, and an immense lot of negroes ; but when 
the war threatened, he knew that if the North 
won, slavery would be abolished, so he sold his 
plantation and slaves, thinking if the South 
was victorious, he would be able to buy again. 

He then purchased their present home, and 
they had just become settled when the rebellion 
broke out. He joined the Southern army and 
fought bravely, but like many another. He was 
wounded and left an arm on the battle-field. 


33 


34 FOUR GIRLS 

Thus disabled, he was sent home. Fortunately, 
he had means to live on, while most of his plan- 
ter friends lost all they had and were obliged 
to face poverty. He let his wife furnish their 
home to suit herself, but, being a lover of 
flowers, he reserved the conservatory for him- 
self. 

Ethel had been given every advantage, and 
had now returned home an accomplished young 
lady. Soon after her graduation, she had her 
photograph taken, and her father sent one to 
New York to be painted in oil, life size, by the 
best artist there. He wished it to be a surprise 
to both his wife and herself, so he had not ac- 
quainted either of the fact. 

It had arrived the same evening that Ethel 
expected her company, so it would be a surprise 
to Marion as well. Bertrand and his sister 
were the first to arrive, and Ethel, meeting 
them at the door, said : 

“ Come, quick, I have something to show 


ETHEL’S PORTRAIT 


35 


you!” and she led the way to the drawing- 
room. Of course, the first thing which caught 
their eye was the portrait. 

“Oh, how beautiful!” exclaimed Marion. 
“ When did you receive it? ” 

“ It came to-day; do you think it good? It 
was a total surprise to Mamma and me; one of 
Papa’s gifts.” 

“ There is but one fault that I can see; that 
is, the artist has not caught the soft, languid 
expression of your eyes,” said Marion. 

“ That is not the only one,” Mrs. Easton re- 
marked, as she entered the room. “ The shoul- 
ders are not quite broad enough for the size 
of the head, and I know that is not natural.” 

“ Papa says that he does not like the ar- 
rangement of the hair; it is not at all like the 
photo. My poor portrait! It seems to be full 
of flaws. You have not as yet expressed your 
opinion, Mr. Roseland; may I ask you what 
you think? ” 


36 


FOUR GIRLS 


44 Why certainly. All I can say is that it is 
enough like you for one to see how very charm- 
ing you are.” 

Ethel blushed, as she answered : “ I might 
have known you would say something non- 
sensical ; and I ought not to have asked 
you.” 

44 It is said that truth often hurts; but in this 
case it is very flattering,” answered Marion. 

44 But he does not mean a word of it,” pouted 
Ethel; 44 he is only in a complimentary mood.” 

A ring at the bell interrupted further con- 
versation. The door opened and the servant 
announced, 44 Mr. and the Misses Weather- 
stone.” 

Ethel stepped forward to welcome her 
guests. She then presented Marion and Ber- 
trand. She noted the quick second glance 
which Luella gave Bertrand as he was pre- 
sented to her, and her jealous nature said with- 
in herself: 44 Ah, so he has struck your fancy; 


ETHELS PORTRAIT 37 

take care, my girl, for I will brook no rival 
in his affections.” 

Robert Weatherstone’s eye had caught sight 
of Ethel’s portrait, for he was a great lover of 
the art. When they were seated, he remarked : 

4 4 That is a splendid reproduction of your- 
self, Miss Easton; where was it painted?” 

44 In New York; Papa surprised us by hav- 
ing it done, and we were just discussing it as 
you came. From the different opinions ex- 
pressed, it cannot he very skillfully executed.” 

44 It is not perfect by any means. I can 
readily see that, knowing as I do, the original ; 
but it is about as good as can be done, copying 
from a photo; that makes a vast difference. 
To make a perfect portrait, the artist must 
copy from sittings.” 

44 1 agree with you perfectly,” answered Mr. 
Easton; 44 so we will pass by the painting’s 
imperfections.” 

44 Robert is quite a connoisseur in the art,” 


38 FOUR GIRLS 

said Maud Weatherstone; “his gallery at 
Langly Hall will be well worth inspecting 
when it is finished; he has already many pic- 
tures painted by Watteau, Meissonier, Alma- 
Tadema, Rembrandt, and Millet.” 

. “ He certainly must have a grand collec- 
tion,” replied Bertrand. 

“ Speaking of art galleries,” said Mr. 
Weatherstone, “ reminds me of one I visited 
before I left England. It was probably the 
grandest I shall ever enter. It was a noble hall 
of immense size, being twenty-four feet high 
and fifty yards long by thirty wide. The 
ceiling, with its three rows of gray skylights, 
nine in a row, was grand. The two rows of 
chandeliers that hung between, made a mar- 
velously radiant shimmer of glass and gold, 
and when the gallery was lit up at night, it was 
dazzling and superb. It would be impossible 
to describe the pictures; but I can speak of a 
few that represented beautiful women,: — 


ETHELS PORTRAIT 39 
mostly of the owner’s ancestral line. There 
were also grand cavaliers, clad in their shining 
armor, with helmets, shields, and spears. Art 
is a subject I never tire of conversing 
upon.” Then he described many of the works 
of art. 

“ Let me assure you, Mr. Weatherstone, 
that we all have enjoyed your description, so 
much so, in fact, that I, for one, long to visit 
just such a scene,” answered Mr. Easton. 

“Yes, Mr. Weatherstone has pictured it so 
vividly that he had for the moment transported 
us,” said Marion. 

There was something in the sound of her 
voice which startled him, for turning quickly, 
he said, as he acknowledged the compliment: 
“ Are you so fond of painting? ” 

“ Indeed I am; but I have seen so few that 
I am not a competent judge.” 

“ Don’t you think that we have discussed art 
quite enough? r Suppose we try music,” said 


40 FOUR GIRLS 

Luella Weatherstone. “Miss Ethel, won’t 

you favor us? ” 

She arose, and Bertrand Roseland escorted 
her to the piano. As her fingers flew nimbly 
over the keys. Mr. Weatherstone seated him- 
self beside Marion and entered into a conver- 
sation. 

“ You have had quite a serious illness, I un- 
derstand, Miss Roseland? ” he began. 

“ Yes, I overtaxed my strength when at 
school, and I paid the penalty.” 

“Do you feel any bad effects from it? ” 

“ On the contrary, I feel ever so much better. 
I think it has done me good.” 

“ Sickness will sometimes leave good ef- 
fects,” he replied. 

“Are you pleased with this part of the 
world for a home, Mr. Weatherstone, or 
have you not been here long enough to 
judge? ” 

“ I cannot say that I have ; but if first im- 


ETHEL’S PORTRAIT 41 

pressions are correct, I will be very much 
pleased.” 

“ I suppose it differs widely from other 
countries which you have visited, for I hear 
that you have been a great traveler. How you 
must have enjoyed going from one place to 
another. That is one thing that I should love 
above all others : to be able to travel and to see 
beautiful scenery.” 

“ Where would you prefer going, should you 
have your choice? ” 

“ I have read so much of the beauties of 
Switzerland, until I really long to visit there. 
I think I could stand a trip up Mount Blanc, 
so enraptured have I grown reading about it.” 

“ I enjoyed my travels,” was the soft reply, 
“ until a circumstance happened which dark- 
ened my whole life, so that all pleasure was for- 
gotten.” 

Marion turned her large dark eyes question- 
ingly upon him. 


42 


FOUR GIRLS 


“ Your gaze tells me what your lips are too 
polite to utter,” he continued, “ so some time, 
when we are better acquainted, I may tell you 
the story of my life.” 

“You certainly will have an appreciative 
listener in me,” was Marion’s gentle response. 

“ Thank you,” he said. 

Ethel had risen from the piano just in time 
to see Bertrand and Luella disappear through 
the low, open window, and out on the moonlit 
lawn. Her soft, hazel eyes flashed for an 
instant, for her one besetting sin was jealousy, 
and she knew that she loved Bertrand with a 
passion untold. Yet he had never given her 
any encouragement that she could attribute to 
love for her. This set her very heart on fire, 
for now might he not give his affection to this 
golden-haired girl! The thought was mad- 
dening ! 

Soon they returned, and Ethel asked Luella 
to sing, thus separating them for a while, and 



> J 






“ Ethel had risen from the piano 





































































* 

I 




4 

















ETHELS PORTRAIT 43 

as Bertrand came and sat beside her, she felt 
all of her anger melt away. Soon after this, 
the guests took their departure, Bertrand see- 
ing Luella to the carriage. This act of cour- 
tesy created another pang in the heart of the 
distracted girl, especially as he then took his 
own departure. 

Marion having promised to spend the night 
with her, the girls went directly to Ethel’s room 
and there prepared to retire. Marion put on a 
bright scarlet robe, Ethel one of the palest blue, 
and their long hair falling over their shoulders 
far below their waists, made a pretty con- 
trast. 

“ How are you pleased with our new neigh- 
bors, Marion? ” 

“ They are charming, quite an acquisition to 
this place.” 

“You seem particularly interested in the 
brother,” and Ethel looked archly at her. 

“ Yes, he has such a pleasant voice, a ring of 


FOUR GIRLS 


pathos in it, that makes one think that, at some 
time in his life, he has suffered.” 

“ Well, you know that the heir to Langly 
Hall would not be a bad catch.” 

“ Ethel, you ought to be ashamed of your- 
self, when I have only met him once, and, for 
all we know, he may have a sweetheart over the 
sea.” 


CHAPTER VI 


THE VISIT 

“ Mother,” said Bertrand, as lie walked into 
the room where she was sitting, and fondly laid 
his hand on her shoulder, “ I am going fishing 
this morning with two of my old friends, John 
Mayers and Charles Ramey. They tell me 
that the fish are plentiful in the old Bayou, and 
you know how dearly I love the sport; so do 
not be uneasy if I am a little late in returning.” 

44 We will all be out this lovely day then,” his 
mother replied, 44 for Marion and I have de- 
cided to call on the Weatherstones.” 

44 Had I known that, I think I would Have 
declined the invitation and accompanied you; 
for that golden-haired little witch asked me to 
call.” 

44 We would have been charmed with your 

45 


46 FOUR GIRLS 

company, brother/’ said Marion; “ won’t you 
come? ” 

44 Too late, for I am off immediately, as I 
promised to meet my friends at nine-thirty and 
it is almost that now; so good-bye; hope you 
have a pleasant visit, and be sure to remember 
me to the bright-eyed lassie,” he said as he left 
the room. 

44 Mother, I am afraid that Bertrand has 
almost lost his heart to Luella Weatherstone, 
he seemed very much pleased with her the night 
he met her at Ethel’s ; but I hope he will not fall 
in love with her, for I am sure that Ethel likes 
him, and I would so much rather have her for 
a sister.” 

The carriage was already awaiting them 
when the ladies made their appearance, and 
stepping in, the coachman was ordered to 
drive on. 

44 We could not have ordered a lovelier day, 
Mamma, could we?” said Marion, joyously. 


THE VISIT 


47 


“No, Marion, but it being so warm and 
pleasant now, is a forerunner of a long, hot 
summer.” 

“ Well, that is no more than we always have 
here, but can’t we take a trip to the Lake? I 
wonder where the young ladies of Langly 
Hall will spend the summer. I presume it 
will be at Long Branch, Newport, Sara- 
toga, or some other place equally as fash- 
ionable.” 

“ Why not invite them to join you and 
Ethel? It would make a pleasant party.” 

The bell was answered by the footman, who 
ushered them into the presence of Mrs. Weath- 
erstone and her daughters. 

“ What a grand painting that would make,” 
Marion remarked, as she looked out of the win- 
dow, after seating herself. “ I suppose it has 
been transferred to the canvas by one of your 
daughters? ” 

“Luella is the artist of the family; she is 


48 


FOUR GIRLS 


always running around with her easel and 
paints, copying the views,” said Maud. 

“ I wish I could faithfully reproduce nature; 
but after I have finished my sketches, they fall 
so far short of the original that I am dis- 
heartened and disgusted,” answered Luella. 

“ You know the old adage, Miss Weather- 
stone, ‘ Practice makes perfect/ so don’t be 
discouraged.” 

Excusing themselves, the three girls started 
for a walk through the grounds, but had not 
proceeded far when they were joined by Rob- 
ert Weatherstone, who inquired which way 
they were going. 

“We are out on a ramble; would you care 
to join us? ” asked Maud. 

“ Why, certainly, if agreeable to all parties,” 
and he looked at Marion, who answered: 

“ Pleasant company is always an acquisi- 
tion, so do come with us.” 

Robert bowed in acknowledgment of the 



"Virt 


“ They had stopped beside one of the fountains/’ 









* 


- 





THE VISIT 


49 


compliment as he stepped to her side, the two 
sisters lingering, leaving them to walk ahead. 

“ Your father has greatly improved this 
place; it would hardly be recognized except 
the house, which has not been very much 
altered.” 

“It is certainly a very beautiful home; of 
course I do not know what it was, as I did not 
see it before he purchased it.” 

“ It was similar to all the plantations around 
here, only in a much more dilapidated condi- 
tion, for the owners were unable to repair it 
since the war.” 

“ So I understand. Such a pity! But their 
loss was our gain, for I think this the loveliest 
site anywhere about here.” 

“ Are you satisfied to settle here after the 
excitement of traveling? ” Marion asked. 

They had stopped beside one of the foun- 
tains, and, as she spoke, she carelessly dipped 
her finger-tips into the sparkling water. 


50 


FOUR GIRLS 


“ Excitement ! how well you have named 
it, Miss Roseland. It was just that, and of a 
peculiar kind, too, that many would not care 
to experience.” 

. “ You throw strange hints, Mr. Weather- 
stone; have you a secret in your life? ” She 
raised her dark eyes and looked at him in a 
way to penetrate into the very recesses of his 
soul and draw out what was hidden. 

“ Yes, Miss Roseland, a very dark one,” he 
replied, “ and you are the only one to whom I 
have ever spoken of it; but there is some 
strange fascination about you, that try as I 
will, I cannot resist.” He hesitated a moment, 
then continued: “ Your sympathy would be a 
great consolation to me. I have suffered un- 
told agony, and all the more, because I dared 
not share the secret with anyone. The one 

who had the best right to it is ” Here he 

hesitated. 

If Marion could only have cried out for him 


THE VISIT SI 

to share his burden witK her! He Had her 
deepest and purest love, and her greatest hap- 
piness was in being near him and in listening 
to his voice. If Robert Weatherstone had only; 
known what a tumult he had created in the 
breast of the gentle girl by his side, he would 
have been sincerely pained. 

He let his eyes rest on her, and saw that her 
every nerve seemed to thrill and tremble under 
his gaze. He was surprised, but pleased, as he 
saw the blood mantling her cheek. 

“ Come, Miss Roseland,” he said, “ do not 
let any thought of me make you sorrowful, 
but take a lesson from the beauties which sur- 
round us and be gay and light-hearted.” 

She was grateful to him for saying this, so 
she answered: 

“We certainly would be far happier if we 
thought less of ourselves and more of the 
grandeur of outward things. I see your sis- 
ters; let us join them.” 


52 FOUR GIRLS 

They stood conversing, never noticing how ( 
time was flying, until, looking toward the 
house, Marion saw her mother and Mrs. 
Weatherstone standing on the piazza, beckon- 
ing to them. The good-byes were said, Robert 
assisted the ladies into their carriage, and they 
drove off. 


CHAPTER VII 


THE LAWN PARTY 

“ We will have a pleasant crowd here to-night 
if all come who have been invited,” said Luella 
to Maud, as they were performing their toilet 
on the evening they were to have their lawn 
party. 

Luella was seated before the large French 
mirror, while the hair-dresser was trying to 
arrange her rebellious golden curls into some- 
thing like order, and Maud was putting the 
finishing touches to her dress. 

“ Maud, did you hear whether Bertrand 
Roseland had decided to remain for this occa- 
sion? ” 

‘‘Yes, Luella, I met his sister to-day, and 
she said that he could not resist the tempta- 
tion.” 

53 


S4s 


FOUR GIRLS 


“ I am glad, for his handsome face and 
figure will be quite an acquisition.” 

“ He is quite pleasant, Luella ; but I do not 
see anything about him to rave over; I think 
him only slightly above the average.” 

“ Everyone to their own way of thinking, 
sister dear, and mine runs in that direction.” 

“ You have a rival in Ethel Easton, I am 
afraid, for I saw her watching you when Mr. 
Roseland was conversing with you that first 
evening.” 

“ Well, she need not be alarmed, for I am 
not in love with him yet, but he is good com- 
pany, and if he honors me with his preference, 
I shall endeavor to entertain him to the best of 
my ability. And,” she continued, “ how about 
your own admirer, Maud, Mr. De Lacy, who 
shadows you wherever you turn? Do you con- 
sider him on the top shelf? ” 

“ His family is one of the oldest in Louisi- 
ana, and besides, he is very wealthy; but I do 


THE LAWN PARTY 


55 


not admire him beyond a mere acquaintance, 
for all that. And now as I am ready, Luella, 
I shall run downstairs to see if everything is 
in readiness.” 

As she entered the drawing-room she met 
her brother, who looked up with pride and ad- 
miration glowing in his eyes. 

“How do I look, Robert?” she asked, as 
she stood before him for inspection. 

“ Simply beautiful! But what is the use of 
my telling you that which your mirror had in- 
formed you? White is indeed very becoming 
to you.” 

“ I was vain enough to want your opinion, 
that is all,” she answered. 

“ Have you seen the pavilion since the dec- 
orators have finished it, Maud? Come, let us 
inspect it.” 

She slipped her little white hand in his, and 
together they walked into what might well be 
called fairyland. 


56 


FOUR GIRLS 


No time or expense had been spared to 
make this the grandest event of the season. 
The elements favored the occasion too, for 
the night was still and clear; the moon was 
only at her first quarter, while the starry 
dome sparkled and flashed like innumerable 
diamonds. The old oaks were hung with nu- 
merous Chinese lanterns, casting their varied 
lights from the different colored encasements. 
The dancing pavilion was a work of taste and 
art, the large reflectors making it as light as 
day, and the floor looked like a sheet of glass, 
so perfectly had it been polished. 

The music was the best the town of S 

afforded. Brother and sister walked around, 
making suggestions here and there which were 
immediately carried out, until everything was 
perfection. 

“ It seems as if our guests ought to enjoy 
themselves in this bower of loveliness,” re- 
marked Maud. 


THE LAWN PARTY 


57 

“ Yes, for we have tried to anticipate their 
pleasure. If I am not mistaken, I hear car- 
riage wheels, so let us return to the drawing- 
room to receive our company.” 

As the grand strains of music wafted to- 
ward the house, the young people gayly went 
to the pavilion. The dancing commenced im- 
mediately, and the beautiful figures of the 
minuet were followed by the gliding step of 
the ever-intoxicating waltz. Bertrand Rose- 
land had escorted both Ethel and Marion to 
the party, and, after having danced with both, 
he walked over to where Luella was sitting. 

“ Am I in time to write my name on your 
programme?” he asked, as he took a seat be- 
side her. 

“ I have saved one for you, so you see I 
thought of you, Mr. Roseland.” 

“You have no idea how highly honored I 
feel to have occupied your thoughts even for 
one moment,” he replied. 


58 FOUR GIRLS 

Luella turned her bright gray eyes toward 
him. “You are always ready with some flat- 
tering reply,” she said, coquettishly. 

“ ‘ Many a true word is spoken in jest,’ you 
must remember, Miss Luella, but isn’t this our 
dance? I will not annoy you any more — until 
the next time,” he said, slightly under his 
breath. 

She only smiled, showing him that his com- 
pliment was not distasteful to her. 

After the dance, Bertrand said, a trifle af- 
fectionately: “Are you warm, Miss Luella? 
Let us take a little walk out in the refreshing 
air. The next space on your programme re- 
mains unfilled; may I hope that you will sit it 
out in my company? ” 

“ I have no objections, if you will make 
yourself exceedingly agreeable,” she replied 
softly. 

“If trying will do any good, I will suc- 
ceed,” he answered. He gave her his arm and 


THE LAWN PARTY 59 

they passed out into the beautifully illuminated 
grounds. 

Their departure was observed by one person 
as she stood in the shadow of the music-stand, 
talking to an ardent admirer. Ethel Easton 
looked like some ethereal being in her dress of 
pale blue mull, her fair neck and shoulders 
gleaming from above her low-cut bodice; a 
diamond star glistened on her breast, and white 
japonicas were entwined in her lovely brown 
hair. She had been much admired and sought 
after all the evening, and had enjoyed herself 
as long as Bertrand was within her sight; but 
as soon as he disappeared, the star of her life 
seemed to go down, leaving utter darkness be- 
hind. She excused herself to the infatuated 
young man by her side, and went in the direc- 
tion the couple had taken. 

As she descended the steps of the pavilion, 
she saw the objects of her jealousy directing 
their steps toward a rustic seat, which they soon 


60 


FOUR GIRLS 


occupied. She then concealed herself within 
hearing distance of their conversation. She 
knew this only fanned the flame which had 
been kindled in her bosom; but some unseen 
demon had taken possession of her and urged 
her to listen. 

“ And you are really going to leave us to- 
morrow? ” she heard Luella Weatherstone 
say. 

“ That is unavoidable, Miss Luella; for not 
being a man of fortune, I am obliged to attend 
to my professional duties.” 

“ But your stay has been so short; we shall 
miss you,” answered Luella. 

“ It is sweet to be told that by one so charm- 
ing; it takes half the sting from parting. My 
lonely hours will be cheered by the picture you 
present just now; it will ever be in my mind’s 
eye.” 

She did indeed look pretty, dressed in pink 
organdie and lace, her golden curls caught 


THE LAWN PARTY 


61 

back with ribbon of the same hue and her 
dainty feet clad in pink satin slippers, which 
were just visible from beneath the folds of her 
garment. 

“ I know you do not mean one word of it,” 
she replied; my opinion is that you are a 
flirt.” 

“ You are extremely flattering,” was Ber- 
trand’s reply, “ for I must be something above 
the average to have the power to control the 
feelings of others and come out unscathed my- 
self.” 

“ Oh, that is the view you take of a flirt, Mr. 
Roseland? You must really admire them; for 
my part, I think them abominable ! ” 

“ I imagine you do, Miss Luella ; all your 
sex are of the same opinion, I presume.” 

“ Now you are laughing at me, and I am 
not going to talk to you any more,” was the 
bewitching reply. 

“You will excuse me, I am sure, if I ac- 


62 


FOUR GIRLS 


knowledge being a little amused at bearing a 
girl like yourself make such an assertion. Now 
I ask forgiveness; will you grant it? ” 

“ I have a good notion to make you ask par- 
don on bended knee, sir, but as I see my part- 
ner for the next dance coming toward us, I 
will desist.” 

“ Ah, here you are, Miss Luella ! I have 
been looking everywhere for you; allow me,” 
and he offered her his arm. Excusing herself 
to Mr. Roseland, she left him. Bertrand 
walked around the grounds for a while; then 
suddenly remembering Ethel, he hastened to 
the pavilion. 

Ethel, watching the receding form, broke 
down and sobbed bitterly; for she was sure 
now that her rival had taken him away from 
her. Marion, having missed Ethel, went in 
search of her also, and, to her surprise, found 
her weeping. 

“ Why, Ethel, darling, what can be the 


THE LAWN PARTY 63 

trouble? ” she exclaimed, coming upon her 
suddenly. 

“ Oh, Marion, how I wish I had never come 
here! This is the most unhappy moment of 
my life! ” 

“ Tell me, Ethel, what has distressed you 
so? I left you talking so pleasantly with Mr. 
Austin, and now I find you thus.” 

With her head on Marion’s shoulder, Ethel 
sobbed out all her grievances. Marion had 
surmised this, for she had noticed the exit of 
Luella and her brother, but she was in hopes 
that Ethel had not seen them. 

Marion did her best to cheer Ethel, telling 
her of some laughable things which had tran- 
spired during the evening, and succeeded so 
well that they both joined the rest of the party. 

Bertrand met them and asked Ethel to walk 
with him, just as Robert Weatherstone claimed 
Marion, and the grand march commenced to 
play during supper. 


64 FOUR GIRLS 

Ethel felt her every nerve tingle as she laid 
her hand on Bertrand’s arm; when they were 
seated, she became one of the gayest there, en- 
tertaining those around her with sparkling wit 
and brilliant repartee, all of which surprised 
Marion. 

Beautiful, stately Maud Weatherstone flit- 
ted here and there among the guests, goddess 
in her robe of spotless white. 

“ Marion, you are not doing justice to your 
supper; you have hardly tasted it,” said Mr. 
Weatherstone. 

“ I am not hungry, for I am feasting on the 
beauties around me,” she replied. 

The meal progressed enchantingly, and as 
they again gathered in the pavilion, eager to 
dance, Luella’s prophecy had come true, for, 
at every turn, Maud Weatherstone met her 
ardent admirer, Mr. De Lacy. Soon the guests 
began to depart, and the first rays of morning 
began to illuminate the eastern horizon. 


CHAPTER VIII 


AGITATION 

Robert Weatherstone, while sitting before 
his bedroom window, one day after having met 
Marion, thought how near he had come to ex- 
plaining all to her, and how thankful he was 
that he had not, for of what use could it have 
been? She could not alter circumstances; why 
overshadow her life w T ith the knowledge? 

Thus he argued with himself as the smoke 
from his cigar was wafted by the gentle breeze 
far into space, and he thought how much it 
resembled a human life; here to-day and whirl- 
ing through space to-morrow. He had made 
up his mind to go to New York City the next 
day, but had not acquainted anyone of the 
fact. 

“ They will all be surprised when I inform 

them, and how shall I evade their questionings ? 

65 


66 


FOUR GIRLS 


Well, the emergency of the occasion will have 
to come to my aid, for I will not tell them the 
true motive. Why do I keep it from my 
family? ” he mused. “ They will be sure to 
know later on, and why not tell them now? I 
think I will — and yet no — they would almost 
drive me mad, and I would be obliged to leave 
this home where I have known at least a few 
hours of happiness. No, I shall await circum- 
stances to reveal it to them.” 

The clock on the mantel chimed the hour of 
two before Robert Weatherstone laid his 
weary head to rest. It seemed but a moment 
ere he was awakened by the ring of the dress- 
ing-bell, which he knew he must heed if he 
wished to catch the morning train. 

The family were already assembled at the 
breakfast table when he entered the room, and, 
taking his seat, tried to make himself agree- 
able; but he was absent-minded and uneasy, 
and his appetite had left him. 


AGITATION 


67 

“Robert, my son,” said his father, “there 
seems to be something on your mind. Is it 
because you are dissatisfied with this place? I 
fear roving around has had a bad effect on you, 
and has unfitted you for our quiet way of 
living.” 

“ It is not that, Father, for gladly would I 
settle down here and ask nothing better, if my 
mind was only at rest.” 

“ Are you in debt ? If so, do not hesitate to 
let me know, f or I will help you to any reason- 
able amount,” answered his father. 

“ It is not money matters which trouble me, 

but ” and a look of incomprehensible pain 

flitted across his brow. 

“ Then what is it, Robert? Surely you ought 
to confide in us,” said his mother. 

“ I will, sometime, Mother, but do not urge 
me now.” Then turning to his father, said: 
“ I am obliged to leave for New York this 
morning; is there anything I can do for you? ” 


68 


FOUR GIRLS 


A look of surprise was on everyone’s face 
as he made this announcement, and his father 
answered : 

“ Have you urgent business there, that you 
are called away so suddenly, or is it a pleasure- 
trip? ” 

“ It is business, sir,” and, looking at his 
watch, he excused himself from the table. “ I 
will have to be getting ready, as it is almost 
train time.” 

“ When may we look for your return, 
brother? ” asked Maud, a little later as he came 
downstairs, equipped for traveling. 

“ It is impossible for me to tell; but I do 
not think my stay will be very long.” So say- 
ing, he affectionately kissed his mother and 
sisters, shook hands with his father, and he 
was off. 

Mrs. Weatherstone walked to the door 
with him, and laying her hand on his arm, 
said: 


AGITATION 


69 


“ Robert, won’t you tell me the object of this 
trip? I know there is something painful, for 
I could tell it by your face.” 

“ Your surmise is correct, Mother, and I 
should have confided in you long ago, but the 
wound was so sore I could not again open it. 
When I return, I shall tell you all, for whose 
sympathy could be sweeter than yours? But 
keep silent until then, Mother dear.” 

“ That is a promise then, my darling boy; ” 
and she looked pleadingly at him, her great 
love shining in her eyes. 

“ Yes, Mother, and now I must go. Pray 
for me that I may have strength to bear this 
great trial.” 

“I will, my son.” With another farewell 
kiss, he descended the steps, stepped into the 
carriage, and was driven rapidly away. 

Mrs. Weatherstone watched the retreating 
vehicle until it could no longer be seen, then, 
with a sigh, returned to the drawing-room. 


70 


FOUR GIRLS 


Robert reached the depot just in time to 
catch the train. While hurrying along, his 
thoughts were busy with the events of his past 
life. 

On the second day of his journey, he was 
aroused from his lethargy by a wee toddler of 
two or three years, who came to him and put 
her hand timidly on his knee. Robert looked 
down, and when he saw the little child, he said : 

“You are a little darling; will you sit be- 
side me and cheer me up a little ? ” 

“ Me ask my mamma,” was the reply, and 
in a short time she returned and took a seat 
beside him. 

As he looked at this child, his thoughts re- 
verted to another little one who was sleeping 
her last sleep under the skies of a foreign land. 
If she had lived, she would have been just 
about the age of this little one beside him. 
How his heart was wrung with anguish ! But 
he did not wish her back, for she might share 


AGITATION 71 

the same fate as her mother, something worse 
than death! 

After a while, the baby prattle drove all 
thoughts of self away, and he really enjoyed 
the rest of the journey. As the train neared 
New York, he took the child by the hand and 
going to where its mother was sitting, he raised 
his hat and said: 

“ I am so much obliged to you for your little 
girl’s company; you cannot imagine what a 
comfort she has been to me.” 

“ I was afraid she would worry you,” was 
the answer, “ but she took a fancy to you, and 
I could not very well have kept her away.” 

“ I am delighted that you could not, for she 
has transformed a disagreeable journey into 
a pleasant one, and as a remembrance, would 
you let her accept this ring which, in after 
years, she may look at and think of how she 
made a sad man happy? ” 

“ I do not think I ought to take it for her 


72 


FOUR GIRLS 


for simply amusing herself,” replied the 
mother. The ring was a handsome diamond, 
surrounded by emeralds. 

“ Oh, please do not refuse it; for, to offset 
the value of the ring, is the good she did me.” 

“ Well, under those circumstances, she may 
accept it, and I thank you very much.” 

“ With your permission, I should like to 
kiss the child,” and seeing that his request was 
granted, he lifted the little one in his arms. 
“ Will you give me a kiss before we part? For 
soon we will leave the train and I may never 
see you again.” 

She turned her rosebud mouth to him and 
he imprinted a kiss upon it. Then putting her 
gently down, he again raised his hat and left 
them. The lady, looking after his retreating 
figure, wondered who he could be. 

The train had reached the Grand Central 
Station, where the crowd was surging to and 
fro like a great human sea. There were some 


AGITATION 73 

whose coming was hailed with delight by the 
expectant parties waiting for them, and how 
joyous seemed their reunion! There were 
others whose coming was met with tears and 
sadness, as if the news which awaited them was 
only to add another drop to their already over- 
flowing cup of grief ; and some, like Robert 
Weatherstone, who had no one to meet them. 


CHAPTER IX 


BLIGHTED REASON 

Early the next morning, Robert was seated in 
a cab and being driven through the crowded 
thoroughfares of the city to one of its rural 
suburbs. Looking from the window, he could 
see the lovely lawns and gardens surrounding 
palatial residences, and, farther on, were wav- 
ing green fields. All nature was alive with the 
hum of insects and song of birds; everything 
seemed gay and joyous, and the air was laden 
with the rich perfume ascending from mother 
earth. 

But alas for some! All the grandeur of 
outward things has not the power to raise their 
broken spirits; for their internal nature is 
bowed down with sorrow, probing them like 
poisonous arrows. Robert let his thoughts 
have full sway until his very heart sickened be- 

74 


BLIGHTED REASON 75 

neath its awful burden of bitter memories. 
Tears, like a woman’s refuge, seldom come to 
man; nature’s forces within him are too strong 
for that, and when he sees nothing outside of 
him to fight, with nothing externally tangible 
to oppose, his force returns within himself 
and rends him. 

Thus it was with him all through that miser- 
able journey. Finally, it came to an end, and 
the cab stopped before a beautiful cottage, 
where everything external was grandly beau- 
tiful, but when once within its walls, it spoke 
of something terrible to contemplate. Not of 
the body; but of the mind, for this was a pri- 
vate insane asylum. 

Robert got out of the cab, told the driver 
to wait for his return, ascended the steps and 
rang the bell, the summons being answered by 
the “ house doctor ” himself. 

“ Why, how do you do, Mr. Weatherstone? 
Just step in, sir. When did you arrive? ” 


76 


FOUR GIRLS 


“ Last night, Doctor, and I hastened here 
this morning in hopes of hearing some good 
news.” 

“ Unfortunately, sir, I have none to impart; 
hers is a hopeless case.” 

Robert bowed his head for a few moments, 
then said: “ May I see her? ” 

“ Certainly,” was the reply; “just step in 
this way.” The doctor, preceding him through 
a long hallway, then up a flight of stairs, and 
stopping at a door near the landing, said: 
“ Listen!” 

Robert’s ear caught the sound of a low voice 
singing as if to a baby. “ Is that Una’s voice? ” 
he asked. 

“ Yes,” answered the doctor. “ She has a 
doll which she rocks all day, thinking it is her 
baby.” 

“ Well, let us go in,” said the husband in a 
husky voice. 

The doctor opened the door, and what a 


BLIGHTED REASON 77 

sight met Robert’s eyes! There sat Una, his 
wife, with a doll in her arms. Una, as beautiful 
as ever, but with the glare of blighted reason in 
her lovely dark eyes. 

“ Speak to her,” said the doctor. 

“ Una, my darling, do you know me? ” Oh, 
with what a yearning, craving look he asked 
this question! 

“ Oh yes,” she answered gayly. “ You are 
the Emperor of Germany.” And she arose 
and made a most profound courtesy. 

“Una! Una! I am Robert, your loving 
husband,” he said, as his frame shook with ter- 
rible emotions, and he extended his out- 
stretched arms to clasp her to his bosom. 

She evaded his grasp, and going to the fur- 
ther side of the room, broke into a loud laugh. 

“ Ha ! ha ! my husband ! when I know you are 
the Emperor of Germany. How is it you visit 
me? I am not a German, ami?” turning to 
look at the doctor. 


78 


FOUR GIRLS 


“ I think not,” he replied. 

“ Is there nothing that I can say that will 
recall even a slight remembrance of me to 
her mind, Doctor? This is breaking my 
heart.” 

“ You might try, and I will leave you; but 
should you need me, tap the button.” 

So Robert was left alone with his insane 
wife. He talked to her of her home, her pa- 
rents, of their marriage, of the countries they 
had visited, even of the birth of their little 
one ; everything which could possibly have any 
interest for her, but it was of no avail, and he 
received only the most ridiculous answers. 
Seeing that every spark of reason had indeed 
fled, he sobbed in the anguish of his heart, for 
he could not help thinking that if God, in His 
mercy, had only taken her with the baby, how 
much better it would have been. 

He arose with a sigh, and summoned the 
doctor. 


BLIGHTED REASON 79 

“ Did you meet with any success, Mr. 
Weatherstone? ” 

“ No, Doctor, her mind is a total blank.” 

“ I thought as much, but I wished for this 
test, to be thoroughly convinced.” 

Una had again taken her doll in her arms, 
saying: “Hush, let me lay my baby down; 
don’t make any noise to wake her, then I can 
talk to you.” 

She walked over to the bed, drew the cover- 
let aside, and laid the doll in the bed, singing 
softly to it as she did so. 

“ Oh, God! isn’t this terrible, Doctor? ” the 
wretched man said, as he wiped the cold, damp 
moisture from his brow. 

“Yes, it is a terrible affliction, surely, and 
this is the way she is at all times, sir.” 

Una turned around and sat down beside her 
husband. 

“ Shall I tell you about my baby, Em- 
peror? ” 


80 FOUR GIRLS 

Robert winced as she called him that, then 
answered : 

“ Yes, if you will.” 

“ It seems a long, long time since it was 
born, and yet it is only a little baby. It is be- 
cause I won’t let it cry, I suppose. I sing and 
I sing, so it won’t cry, and it goes to sleep. 
Have you ever heard it cry, Emperor? ” 

Her husband could only shake his head, for 
his heart was too full for reply. Finally, he 
conquered his emotions enough to say: 

“Una, do you know where your baby was 
born? ” 

“ I told you it was born a long, long time 
ago, and you ask me that question again ; that 
is silly.” 

The doctor shook his head and whispered: 

“ It is of no use; she does not remember any- 
thing.” 

Robert’s frame was convulsed, as he bowed 
his head in his hands. 


BLIGHTED REASON 


81 


“ Poor man! you have my deepest sympathy; 
it is impossible to clear her mind, for the veil 
which shields it is too thick. The light of 
reason is dead, leaving her shrouded in im- 
penetrable darkness.” 

All this time, the unfortunate wife, who had 
again taken up the doll, sat hugging it to her 
breast, and, rocking to and fro, sang softly. 
Finally she arose and said : 

“Go out, please; you will wake up my 
baby.” 

Robert sat and looked at her with that calm- 
ness which was awful to witness, and the doc- 
tor, becoming alarmed, touched him gently on 
the shoulder. 

“ Had we not better go? ” he asked. 

He got up mechanically, and stooping over 
his wife, imprinted a kiss upon her smooth, 
white forehead. 

She seemed to neither feel nor see him, but 
went on humming to the doll she held in her 


82 FOUR GIRLS 

arms. The two men walked out, neither speak- 
ing until reaching the door. 

“ Is there anything you need for her? ” 
Robert asked. 

“ No, the allowance you made more than 
covers her wants. Sometimes she raves and 
breaks her doll, then when the spell is over, we 
have to give her another.” 

“ Does she have these spells often? ” 

“About three or four times a week, and 
when in one, it is all we can do to hold her. It 
is pitiable for one so young and fair; when you 
can see that it has cast a shadow upon your life. 
Your lot is the hardest to bear.” 

“ Sometimes, Doctor, when I pause to think 
of what the last three years of my life have 
been, it is a wonder I am not bereft of my 
reason too, for I love my wife, as I imagine 
few men do. I idolized her! But our dream 
of happiness was short, as you know, and to 
end thus is almost unbearable.” 


BLIGHTED REASON 


83 


The doctor was silent, only bowing his head. 
He understood the depth of feeling which had 
called forth this heartfelt outburst, and he 
thought it too sacred to be answered by cold 
words. 

The husband understood him, and wringing 
his hand in token of his appreciation, bade him 
good-bye, and left the house, which held what, 
to him, was dearest on earth. 

His ride back to the city refreshed him, and 
just as he was entering the hotel where he had 
stopped the night before, he was tapped on the 
arm. Looking up, he saw a young man whose 
acquaintance he had made on board steamer. 

“ How are you, Weatherstone? What are 
you doing here? You are almost as far away 
from home as I am.” 

“Glad to see you, Mr. Armstrong; a fa- 
miliar face is pleasant to behold in this throng 
of strangers. To answer your question, I am 
here on business.” 


84 


FOUR GIRLS 


“ And I am, as usual, seeking pleasure, so 
if your affairs are attended to, you can give 
yourself over to me and I will show you the 
sights of our London of America.” 

“ Thanks, I am at your disposal, for a few 
days will constitute the length of time I will 
remain here.” 

“ Well, to begin with, what do you say to 
joining a theater party to-night? I am booked 
for one, and I can rustle up a pretty girl for 
you.” 

“ Much obliged, but I am not prepared for 
ladies’ society, Armstrong.” 

“ But you will go with me, won’t you? There 
are some fine plays on the boards.” 

Robert thought this would be the very thing 
to drive all harassing ideas from his weary 
brain, so he gladly accepted. 

“ Well, it is a bargain then, Weatherstone; 
I will call for you at four, and we will drive 
around sight-seeing until time for the play.” 


BLIGHTED REASON 


85 


Promptly at the hour mentioned, Beverly 
Armstrong was at the hotel, and together the 
two young men entered the carriage and were 
driven to the most attractive parts of the city. 

“ By the way, Weatherstone, have you been 
to New Orleans, yet? No? Why, what are 
you thinking of, so near your home, too ? This 
winter I will be at home, so will expect you to 
pay me a visit; will you promise? ” 

“ Certainly, I have been thinking about go- 
ing to the city, but having left it until so late, 
the warm weather set in and I knew it would 
be more pleasant to go elsewhere in the summer 
time.” 

“ You are right; winter is the best time. I 
think you will be pleased with our city, for we 
have a number of interesting places that will 
prove attractive to you, I believe.” 

“ Do you intend remaining here for the sum- 
mer, Armstrong? ” 

<c No, I shall take a run down South when 


86 FOUR GIRLS 

the notion strikes me; so much for being a man 
of means, a gentleman of leisure, I might say. 
One can go and come whenever one pleases, 
without feeling the inconvenience of one’s 
purse strings tightening.’’ 

“ Yes, money is a great promoter of happi- 
ness, but it does not constitute all,” answered 
Robert. 

They conversed until the carriage stopped 
before one of the largest theaters in the city, 
and the young men got out and entered. The 
play was “ Hamlet,” and so absorbed did 
Robert become in watching Booth’s wonderful 
acting, that he forgot himself entirely. 

After the play, the friends had a sumptuous 
repast, making it quite late before they re- 
turned to their hotel. Mr. Weatherstone’s stay 
in New York was made very pleasant; for 
Beverly Armstrong had all the hospitality and 
impetuosity of the Southern people, and he 
thought nothing of trouble to make his friend 


BLIGHTED REASON 


87 


enjoy himself, for he had taken a great liking 
to this quiet, dignified Englishman. One thing 
in his friend’s character he could not fathom: 
that was, his persisting in refusing to meet any 
of his lady acquaintances. He had even gone 
so far as to decline an invitation to spend the 
evening at Armstrong’s sister’s home, for fear 
of meeting some young ladies. 

Had Robert known that his friend’s sister 
was the mother of the little girl he met on the 
train, how gladly would he have gone. He ex- 
tended his stay for a week; then he told Arm- 
strong that he must leave for home. The latter 
was sorry to part with him, and if it had not 
been for his numerous engagements ahead, he 
would have gone South with him. With a part- 
ing injunction: “ I will see you some time this 
summer,” Beverly Armstrong watched the re- 
ceding train as it carried his friend away. 


CHAPTER X 


MOTHER AND SON 

After Robert Weatherstone’s return from 
New York, he was seated in the library, his 
head in his hands, his elbows resting on the 
desk, and thinking over his past life, for that 
subject was ever present in his mind. There 
came a gentle tap on the door and, opening it, 
he found his mother standing there. 

“ May I come in, my son? ” she asked. 

“ Why, yes, Mother,” and he placed a chair 
for her to sit down, then took one opposite. 

“ Robert,” she began, timidly, “ you prom- 
ised to tell me why you went to New York. 
Will you redeem it? ” 

“ I will, Mother, at this moment.” 

He hesitated a while, then began: 

“ Mother, I am a married man.” 


MOTHER AND SON 


89 


“ Married! Married! Oh, Robert, and you 
never told any of us! ” 

“ Had I continued happy in my married life, 
I would have told you, but, Mother, only one 
short year and then — but let me begin and tell 
you all. 

“ Two years ago yesterday, I was sitting on 
a bench in one of the parkways of the beautiful 
city of Naples, and looking out on the lovely 
bay. The sun was just sinking in the cloudless, 
western heavens, and the placid waters beneath 
seemed to rise with the rounding of its polished 
bosom to the huge luminary, as though he was 
some mighty magnet drawing it up. One 
could not look a moment into the blinding ar- 
dency of the western atmosphere without weep- 
ing, so charged was it with the ceaseless gush- 
ing of the crimson glory. It seemed to palpi- 
tate, contract, and dilate, like a lake of liquid 
iron, newly poured from the heart of a blast 
furnace. 


90 


FOUR GIRLS 


“ But the waters of the bay were soon 
changed to a tender, deepening turquoise 
against the orange reflection in which the east- 
ern sky was bathed, and the rippling of it was 
exceedingly delicate. 

“ Oh, Mother, how well I remember it! That 
scene is stamped indelibly on my mind. As I 
was looking with admiration at this grand 
panorama of nature, a young girl passed me; 
in her hand she held a book which slipped from 
her grasp to the ground. I stooped to pick it 
up and our eyes met. What eyes they were! 
Dark as night and fathomless as the ocean. 
They stirred every emotion within me, and her 
voice, as a low 4 thank you 9 came from her lips, 
was like music. 

“ She passed out of sight, but not out of my 
memory. I was half tempted to follow her, 
hut fearing I might frighten her, I deterred. 
Her eyes haunted my vision, and the sound of 
her voice was ever with me. 


MOTHER AND SON 


91 


“ I retraced my steps to my boarding-place 
and inquired of the lady of the house if she 
knew such a person as I described to her, and 
she told me it could be none other than Una 
Starley. ‘ Her father is a poor painter/ 
she said, ‘ and their residence is not far 
distant/ 

“ It seemed that when I heard her name that 
it just suited her, its sound was so soft and 
sweet, and I determined to make her acquaint- 
ance; so I told Mrs. Brockley that I would 
like an introduction, and it was arranged that 
I should go with her that evening as a pur- 
chaser of some of Mr. Starley ’s pictures. 

“ Their home was a humble cot, indeed; 
everything spoke of poverty, but was spotlessly 
clean. We were invited in. Of course, my 
eyes wandered about the room in search of the 
figure I wished to see, and there, in one corner, 
sat Una. She left the room as we entered, 
much to my disappointment, but I was pre- 


92 


FOUR GIRLS 


sented to her parents ; then Mrs. Brockley told 
our errand. I saw at a glance that they were 
well-bred people, and I was pleased, for, oh, 
Mother! my heart had already gone out to that 
gentle girl, and I knew I loved her. 

“ Mr. Starley had some fine paintings which 
he presented to my view, some of which I 
bought; one in particular struck my fancy. It 
was the Bay of Naples by moonlight. I have 
it yet and will show it to you. After a short 
conversation, we arose to take our departure, 
when, to my great delight, Una came in to 
speak to Mrs. Brockley, who at once introduced 
her to me. I can recall the sensation I felt, 
even now, when that low voice spoke my name 
and her lovely eyes met mine. It will never 
be forgotten. 

“ I visited her often after that, but always in 
the presence of her parents, until one evening 
I could stand it no longer; for I knew I loved 
her with a pure love, and I wanted to tell her; 


MOTHER AND SON 93 

so I asked her to take a walk. At first she 
hesitated, then her mother said: 

“ 4 Una, you may go, but do not stay out 
late/ 

44 Her face flushed with pleasure, and my 
every nerve tingled with sweet anticipation as 
we walked out together. How vividly is that 
night’s picture stamped on my memory! The 
light of the moon was so brilliantly clear that 
I could witness every varying expression in 
my companion’s face as plainly as if a shining 
dawn had broken ; only that the moonlight gave 
a spirituality to her beauty, and her eyes 
sparkled, as she said: 

44 4 1 was afraid my parents would object, 
and oh, I wanted to come so much/ 

44 4 Well, they agreeably surprised you/ I 
answered, 4 and now we will wend our way to 
the bench where I was sitting the first time I 
saw you; for, Una, I have something to ask 
you/ 


94 


FOUR GIRLS 


“ Mother, I shall never forget the look of 
mingled pain and pleasure depicted on her 
countenance when I told her of my love and 
asked her to be my wife. Slowly her tears 
began to flow, as she answered: 

“ ‘ I love you with all my heart, but marry 
you I never can. You would not ask me if 
you knew the shadow which hangs over me, de- 
barring me from ever going to the altar with 
anyone.’ 

“ We talked for a long time; but she could 
not be persuaded to tell me her secret. Finally, 
I said : ‘ Let us return to your home, and I 
will ask your parents’ consent.’ I did so ; they 
hesitated, then the mother spoke: 

“ ‘ Mr. Weatherstone, I am sorry for this, 
for we believe your love for Una to be sincere, 
but, sir, there is a fatality hanging over her 
head that we must tell you of, then if you are 
afraid, we beg and pray of you to go and 
leave her.’ 


MOTHER AND SON 


95 


“ ‘ Tell me what it is, Mrs. Starley, and let 
me be the judge,’ I answered, and, without any- 
thing further being said, she told me that there 
was insanity in the family and that they were 
afraid that Una would inherit it. I answered: 
‘ If you will give her to me, I will risk it,’ for, 
Mother, I could not give her up.” 

“ The terribleness of the consequences never 
dawned upon me until the calamity came after 
we were married.” 

Here Robert paused; his face visibly paled 
and his hands clutched at his heart. 

“ My son! my son! ” the mother cried. “ Is 
what is to be told yet so awful? Why not wait 
until you are not so wrought up ? Why not let 
your nerves rest, then you can continue.” 
She took her handkerchief and wiped the 
great drops of perspiration from his fore- 
head. 

“ No, Mother, I will finish now,” he an- 
swered. 


96 FOUR GIRLS 

She handed him a glass of wine, which he 
drank, and then proceeded : 

“We were so happy for one short year. We 
lived only for each other. I took her traveling, 
and she was so enthusiastic over the things we 
saw that it gave me pleasure to watch her. 
Then — oh, my God! When I think of it, it 
seems so cruel. Mother, our union was going 
to be blessed, and how pleased we were over 
the prospect! Una wanted to go home for the 
event, and I took her. There she gave birth 
to our baby girl, which lived only two days; 
then she — oh! how can I tell it! she, my wife, 
my darling, my own, had lost her reason! ” 

He looked up and found his mother silently 
weeping. 

“ Mother, it was almost a deathblow to me, 
for we had planned to give you all a surprise 
after baby came, but she wanted to be with her 
mother until after that event, and then we 
were coming home. 


MOTHER AND SON 97 

“ I had the best medical aid that could be 
procured; but all to no avail. They told me 
that she could never be cured. I thought that 
in London she might be helped, and I took her 
there; but received the same discouraging re- 
ply. Then I brought her to New York and 
placed her in a private asylum, but these doc- 
tors, also, told me that there was no hope of 
her ever recovering her reason. Do you won- 
der now at my not wanting to tell my errand? ” 
“No! my poor boy, how you have suffered! 
My heart bleeds for your terrible misfortune. 
Yours is a darkened life, indeed! ” 

“ And, Mother, just think, nothing but 
death can break the chain which binds her. Oh, 
it is cruel ! cruel ! ” 

His mother arose, and walking over to where 
he was sitting, put her arms around his neck 
and drew his head on her bosom, and there his 
feelings gave way and he sobbed out some of 
the gnawing pain. 


CHAPTER XI 


PRELIMINARIES 

Maud and Luella Weatherstone were seated 
in their handsome boudoir, discussing the pros- 
pective trip; for Marion and Ethel had told 
them where they had decided to go, and had 
asked them to join the party. 

“ I think we will have a delightful time, 
Maud. It is just the kind of place where I 
should like to spend the summer,” said Luella. 

“ Yes, it will be very quiet, but for my part, 
I would like to go where there would be more 
excitement.” 

“ And where your charms could be exercised 
more on the opposite sex,” said her brother, as 
he entered the room. 

“ Aren’t you ashamed, Robert? That is no 
such a thing,” Maud retorted. 

“ Yes, that is a fact, my tall, stately sister; 


PRELIMINARIES 


99 


you would like to go where every girl vies with 
her neighbor in fine dressing, and the number 
of conquests she can make. But if I was not 
satisfied, I would go where I pleased and let 
Luella do the same.” 

“ I do not want to go alone to a strange 
place; that is why I have consented to be one 
of the party,” answered Maud. 

“Party? Who are going?” asked her 
brother. 

“ Ethel Easton and Marion Roseland. 
There will be a quartette,” was the reply. 

“ Why, I should like to join that party my- 
self, and would, had I been asked.” 

“ Well, I will issue you an invitation,” said 
Luella ; “ come and go with us. Your company 
will be highly appreciated.” 

“ Wait, not so fast. What if the other two 
should object? Besides, I would be like a fish 
out of water, being the only male; but this I 
promise: after you are comfortably settled, I 

Lore. 


100 FOUR GIRLS 

will come for a week or two, just for the good 

of my health.” 

“ That will be splendid,” replied Maud, 
“ then I will feel more at home.” 

“ Where is this Southern watering-place 
that you have decided on? ” asked Robert. 

“ It is at M , in Mississippi, right on the 

lake shore, where we can go bathing and do just 
as we please. I am simply carried away with 
the description of the place. Wait until you 
see me coming to meet you, Robert,” said 
Luella, “ with my figured lawn dress, my sun- 
shade, yellow cotton umbrella, and large pal- 
metto fan. You will be struck by my ap- 
pearance.” 

“You will certainly look different from 
what you usually do,” laughed her brother, as 
the picture she presented flashed across his 
mind. 

“ Luella is always thinking of something 
ridiculous,” said Maud. 


PRELIMINARIES 


101 


“Well, may she always be as gay and joy- 
ous-hearted, and may life’s shadow fall lightly 
upon her golden head,” he said, as he drew his 
younger sister to him and kissed her. 

“ Will there be many people there? ” 

“ Why, yes, all the houses along the bluff 
will be occupied during the summer. Some of 
the elite of New Orleans go there for recrea- 
tion,” answered Luella. 

“ That ought to satisfy Maud, then; she can 
dress as fine as she likes as long as there will 
be plenty to admire her.” 

“ Now, Robert, do not raise my expectations 
by holding out such flattering prospects, for I 
expect to lie in the hammock and read or sleep 
my time away. I really do not expect to enjoy 
myself, only have a lazy summer of it,” an- 
swered Maud. 

“ I have an idea that you will be agreeably 
disappointed; for why should those girls select 
a place where one would not have a pleasant 


102 FOUR GIRLS 

time? Ethel, like yourself, would not like to 

hide her beauty, knowingly. 

“ Look here, Robert Weatherstone, let me 
inform you that all good-looking girls are not 
vain,” retorted Maud, for she was beginning 
to feel nettled by her brother’s persistency. 

“ They who are not are the exception, not the 
general rule,” laughed her brother. “I will tell 
you, Luella, what will enliven your summer 
resort for Maud,” he continued: “get her a 
beau as soon as she arrives there who will play 
the devoted, and let her do as she pleases with 
him, as she has been doing with half the young 
planters around here, then she will be satis- 
fied.” 

Robert left the house and walked down one 
of the lovely paths which led to a shady, se- 
cluded nook by the side of an artificial pond; 
there he threw himself down beside the placid 
water, and let his thoughts dwell on what his 
sisters had told him of their trip. 


PRELIMINARIES 


103 


“ So,” he thought, “ there are to be four of 
them, and Marion Roseland is to be one of the 
number. How quickly the thought of her de- 
cided me to join them. Strange, but when I 
am in her company, I feel at rest. Somehow, 
her voice soothes and comforts me, and when 
those wondrous dark eyes look into mine, the 
glance thrills my very being. Poor Una! if 
my love for you was not so deep, it would wan- 
der into the keeping of that small maiden, and 
from her actions, I know it would not be dis- 
tasteful to her. 

“ Why should I bury myself because this 
great misf ortune has darkened my lif e ? Ought 
I not to get some enjoyment? My poor dar- 
ling would not wish me to live the life of a 
hermit, I know. 

“But if she could only know! Then what 
happiness would be mine. Marion Roseland 
would pale and fade away beside the dazzling 
beauty of my Una ; but fate has willed it other- 


104 FOUR GIRLS 

wise, so out of the bitter dregs of my lonely 
life, I will enforce some sweet to counter- 
act it. 

“ Oh,” he thought, “ why are we mortals so 
infinitely foolish? We set a snare for our- 
selves, knowing full well the consequences of 
stepping into it. We enter because the allure- 
ments we see please our senses ; then after en- 
joying ourselves up to the extent that we dare 
go, we would then retrace our steps. It is then, 
in that predicament, we feel our environment. 

“ Well, the more I think of my life, the 
harder it is for me to know what course to pur- 
sue ; so I will let events take the lead and I will 
follow r .” With that conclusion, Robert fell 
into a great slumber. 


CHAPTER XII 


SUNNYDALE 

The day that the four girls were to start on 
their summer trip dawned clear and bright. 
Already Old Sol had made himself felt, and 
large fans were brought into requisition as they 
assembled at the station, with friends and rela- 
tives to see them off and wish them a merry 
time. 

Robert Weatherstone had singled out Mar- 
ion, and they were walking up and down the 
platform, carrying on an animated conversa- 
tion. 

Marion looked almost pretty, dressed in 
her tasteful white robe and large hat trimmed 
with ribbon and flowers of crimson hue, which 
well became her raven locks and lustrous dark 

eyes. 


105 


106 


FOUR GIRLS 


“ And you really think you will enjoy your- 
selves? ” he was saying. 

“ Why, yes, we can’t help it, for there are so 
many ways to kill time. When you are tired 
of one occupation, you can find pleasure in 
another,” replied Marion. 

“ Will there be room for one more, in about 
a week, Miss Marion? ” 

“ If you are alluding to yourself, Mr. 
Weatherstone, why yes; we shall be delighted 
to have your company.” 

“ Well, I think you may look for me about 
that time, for I will be lonesome and want a 
change of scenery.” His blue eyes twinkled 
with merriment, for he well knew that the girl 
at his side would resent that. 

“ If that is what you are seeking, Mr. 
Weatherstone, I am afraid our Southern town 
will disappoint you; so I would suggest your 
going to Niagara Falls or the National Park; 
they are both noted for their magnificent 


SUNNYDALE 


107 


scenery.” As she said this, she caught his eye, 
the merry glance from which reinstated her 
good humor. 

“ No,” he remarked, “ I did not mean that 
at all. I only said it to see those dark eyes flash. 
The true reason is, the society of you girls.” 

“ One advantage about the place will be that 
it is so near home that if we do not enjoy our- 
selves we need not remain.” 

“ My prediction is, Miss Marion, that you 
will have such a splendid time you will elongate 
your stay.” 

“ The future will tell,” she laughingly re- 
marked, as the conductor’s ‘ All aboard ’ was 
heard, and the girls were assisted into the 
train; then good-byes were exchanged, and 
the great steam horse bore them away. 

Their time was so fully occupied that they 
were surprised when they were told they were 
nearing their destination. Gathering up their 
scattered paraphernalia, they stepped off the 


108 


FOUR GIRLS 


train, but were a little dismayed on looking 
around, seeing only a few houses, scattered here 
and there. 

“ Can this be the place we have selected 
for our summer vacation? ” sarcastically ex- 
claimed Maud. 

“ If it is, things do not look very promising,” 
answered Marion. 

Just then an old negro came toward them 
and said, bowing profoundly: 

“ ’Cuse me, ladies, be you the ones w T ho am 
’spected at Mrs. Warner’s? ” 

Their faces brightened, and they answered 
him in the affirmative. 

“ Jest step dis way, and get in thur car’age. 
I be the coachman, at yo’r servis, ladies,” and 
with all the airs that a negro is competent of, 
he opened the door of the carriage, and the 
girls entered. 

The station was situated about two miles 
from the beach, and the road lay through a 


SUNNYDALE 


100 


thick forest of pines. Looking at the trees, 
Luella said: “ Those remind me of umbrellas 
with long handles. See how tall they grow 
before they branch out.” 

“ Yes, but I would not like to have to hold 
one of them,” laughed Ethel, to whom pine 
trees were no novelty. 

“ Oh, my, we must be nearing the Lake! ” 
exclaimed Maud. “Don’t you feel the cool 
breeze, girls? ” 

“ Yes, it is like coming out of a hothouse 
into a refrigerator to feel that delightful 
zephyr,” replied Marion. 

Said the coachman, listening: 

“ Yes, ladies, we’ll be dar soon; the Lake am 
not a great ways off now.” As he spoke, the 
placid water came into full view, looking 
smooth and calm, as the sunlight played on its 
surface. 

An exclamation of delight burst from the 
lips of the girls as they saw the transformation 


110 


FOUR GIRLS 


of the scenery from a forest of pine trees to a 
decidedly little village. It was a pretty place ; 
the houses were situated in a line on a high 
bluff, below which was a beach of lovely white 
sand, on which a number of children were hav- 
ing fine sport, building sand houses and dig- 
ging deep wells. Beyond this was the lake, 
studded with bath houses and wharves. The 
girls could hear the murmur of the water as 
it lapped the pebbly beach, and they were 
charmed with the sound. 

“ We’s at de stoppin’ place now, young 
ladies,” said old Sam, as he drew his horses up 
before a lovely, old-fashioned house, which 
was raised about four feet from the ground, 
with steps ascending to the wide gallery which 
ran the whole length of it. A lovely honey- 
suckle vine twined itself around the trellis- 
work, perfuming the air with the delicious 
fragrance of its blossoms. 

A tall, stately lady, with a decidedly aristo- 


SUNNYDALE 


111 


cratic air, stood ready to receive them. ’ The 
introductions being over, Mrs. Warner said, 
turning to Marion: 

“ And you are the daughter of Amy Dysart, 
my old schoolmate. I should have known you 
by your resemblance to her. Just think, we 
have never met since your mother was about 
your age; that was when we were at school. 
How time flies ! It does not seem so long ago 
since we were playing our childish pranks 
together.” 

Soon the supper bell rang out loud and clear, 
and the hostess led the way to the table. How 
inviting everything looked, and the young peo- 
ple did full justice to the delicious viands set 
before them. 

“ I expect my husband and nephew on the 
late train, to-night,” said Mrs. Warner; “the 
latter will be somewhat surprised and not a 
little overjoyed to find the house filled with so 
many charming girls.” 


112 


FOUR GIRLS 


“ Such a bevy of us are liable to frighten 
him, should he come upon us unawares,” an- 
swered Maud. 

“ Not much danger, Miss Weatherstone, for 
he is a full-fledged society man; so anything 
like a party of young ladies is not likely to 
discommode him.” 

Luella smiled to herself as she remembered 
what Robert had told Maud about trying to 
make a conquest of the first man she saw. The 
latter felt Luella’s mischievous eyes bent upon 
her, and her face slightly colored as she 
changed the conversation, by remarking: 

“What a delightful place this is for the 
table, Mrs. Warner.” 

“ Yes, the breeze can circulate freely, and 
we get the benefit of it.” 

The house was built with a large hall through 
the center, with rooms on each side, and the 
back gallery was a continuation of it. Beyond 
this was a grape arbor of immense proportions. 


SUNNYDALE 


113 


from which hung clusters of green grapes. To 
the side of the arbor, were the negro quarters. 

When the repast was finished, Mrs. Warner 
advised the girls to go to the summer-house, 
where they would find it very pleasant. Each 
took their light cashmere shawls, thrown 
lightly over their shoulders, and the different 
hues made the group form a pretty picture. 

“ Isn’t this delightful? ” said Ethel, as they 
all stood on the bluff, looking down at the 
glimmer of the white sand beneath them. The 
moon was just rising, looking like a huge ball 
of fire, and as it slowly ascended, it threw its 
silvery rays over the surface of the water, mak- 
ing it shine and sparkle. 

“ It is, indeed,” answered Marion, “ but 
hark, I hear carriage wheels.” 


CHAPTER XIII 


LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT 

The girls looked in the direction from which 
the sound came, and, sure enough, they could 
just distinguish the outlines of a vehicle as 
it stopped before the gate; two gentlemen 
alighted, then proceeded up the walk to the 
house. 

“ They must be Mr. Warner and his nephew. 
I do hope the latter will prove agreeable; for 
then this place will not prove so dull,” said 
Maud. 

“ Are you going in for a flirtation the first 
thing, my sister? I am really pleased that he 
has come, or you might have exercised your 
charms on Mr. Warner, then there would have 
been trouble.” 

“ Come, girls, don’t let us appear rude by 

114 


LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT 115 

standing here, gazing at them in this manner ; 
they will surely think that we have come from 
the country,” said Ethel. 

The gentlemen proved to be Mr. Warner 
and his nephew, Beverly Armstrong. While 
the girls had been discussing him, the latter was 
greeting his aunt. 

“ Have you started a young ladies’ seminary, 
Aunt Grace? ” he asked, looking toward the 
girls. 

“Not exactly, but did not your uncle tell 
you that I had consented to have those four 
girls board with me for the summer? ” 

“ Uncle was too much engrossed in that last 
speculation of his to think of such a flippant 
subject as that; but who are they? ” 

Mrs. Warner told him their names. 

“ And you say that that tall, stately girl, 
with that lace scarf thrown gracefully over 
her head, is Maud Weatherstone? ” 

“ Yes, and I do not wonder, Beverly, at your 


116 


FOUR GIRLS 


singling her out, for a more beautiful girl I 
have never seen. Ethel Easton is lovely; but 
her beauty is soft, while the other’s is grand,” 
replied the aunt. 

While she was talking, Beverly Armstrong 
was thinking that the name of Weatherstone 
sounded very familiar, and he was trying to 
recall where he had heard it. Suddenly, the 
thought struck him that it was the same as the 
young Englishman’s whom he had taken such 
a liking to on board the vessel. 

“ Aunt Grace, where do those Weatherstone 
girls reside? ” he asked. 

“ They all come from S , in Louisiana. 

Why? Have you ever met them, Beverly? ” 

“ No, but now I am quite sure I am 
acquainted with their brother — the sly fox, 
never to even intimate that he had such charm- 
ing sisters, although he did invite me to visit 
him.” Then Mr. Armstrong told his aunt 
what little he knew of Robert Weatherstone. 


LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT 117 

“ Well, he may visit the girls while they are 
here, so it will make it very pleasant for you,” 
she answered. “ Now come and have your sup- 
per, for your uncle is growing impatient. I 
will present you afterward.” 

The girls were chatting gayly when Mr. and 
Mrs. Warner and their nephew made their ap- 
pearance. 

. “Enjoying the moonlight, young ladies?” 
said Mrs. Warner. 

“ Indeed we are; we have just been remark- 
ing on its beauty,” answered Luella. 

“ Allow me to present my husband and my 
nephew, Mr. Armstrong.” 

The girls bowed, and there being a vacant 
seat beside Maud, Beverly took it, while the 
other girls looked knowingly at each other and 
smiled. At first their conversation was 
general; but gradually Maud and Mr. 
Armstrong talked to each other in subdued 
tones. 


118 


FOUR GIRLS 


“ You don’t know how pleased I am to meet 
you, Miss Weatherstone; for I am well ac- 
quainted with your brother.” 

“ Indeed, may I inquire where you met him? 
I am sure he was very remiss not to have in- 
formed us of his knowing you.” 

Beverly Armstrong told her where and when 
he had met Robert, remarking : “I took a 
fancy to him the first time I saw him; his man- 
ner was so quiet and dignified that it had some- 
thing of the mystery about it. Then when we 
met again, we had a delightful time, and that 
now I have met you, I consider myself for- 
tunate, and if I may express my opinion, you 
interest me, also, for your style is so entirely 
different from the generality of the young 
ladies whom I have met that I could have 
guessed you to have been English.” He looked 
admiringly at her, as the faint color mantled 
her cheek at the implied compliment. 

“ Yes, we are English people, bpt we are fast 


LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT 119 

becoming Americanized, as we intend to make 
this country our home,” she replied. 

“Are you pleased with the exchange?” 

“ Delighted, Mr. Armstrong. We have a 
beautiful home,” and she told him all about the 
plantation her father had bought, fitting it 
up in palatial style, and then said: 

“ We like the Southern people ; they are so 
sociable and hospitable; so different from the 
English. Then I like the United States be- 
cause each and every one has an equal chance 
of making a fortune, and if a man has the 
natural ability, he can even become President. 
Now, in England, if you are born a commoner, 
you are almost sure to remain one unless you 
are exceptionally gifted or you do some great 
deed of valor; then you are rewarded. But 
such cases are only for the chosen few.” 

“ I thank you, Miss Weatherstone, in be- 
half of the Southerners, and only hope that 
your good opinion will extend to new ac- 


120 FOUR GIRLS 

quaintances,” and his liquid eyes rested inquir- 
ingly on her. 

“ You may have no doubts on that subject, 
Mr. Armstrong, for I am extremely well 
pleased with Mrs. Warner; I think her a lovely 
lady.” 

“ And how about your humble servant, may 
I ask?” 

“ I will tell you later on; our acquaintance 
is of too short duration for me to pass an. 
opinion. I might judge you wrongly, and you 
would never forgive me.” She smiled 
roguishly at him. “ Do you think,” she con- 
tinued, “ that we four girls will be able to find 
amusement here to keep us from ennui, Mr. 
Armstrong? ”* 

“ Why, yes, you see for yourself that all of 
the summer-houses within reach of your eyes 
are filled with young people ; even the benches 
on the wharves are crowded, and have you 
noted the number of carriages which have 


LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT 121 


passed along the road? You will have a good 
time, I can promise, for when a party of young 
people gather together, there is bound to be 
fun.” 

“ Do you come here every summer? ” asked 
Maud. 

“No, last year was my first experience. I 
generally go North to some fashionable water- 
ing-places, but I became tired of them. Have 
you ever been? — no — then you have not missed 
much, for all is sham and show, nothing 
natural or real, each one trying to outdress the 
other, and in this, I include both sexes, for the 
men are as bad as the ladies, are all led by 
Dame Fashion, and if you do not follow in her 
footsteps, you are considered queer and eccen- 
tric. Here, you can do as you please, and yet 
have a good time.” 

“ I came very near not coming, Mr. Arm- 
strong, for I had an idea that it would be very; 
lonesome. I even tried to persuade Luella to 


122 


FOUR GIRLS 


go North with me, but she declined. Not 
wanting to go among strangers alone, I con- 
sented to come.” 

“ Well, ‘ it is an ill wind that blows nobody 
good I am glad that she refused to go, for 
then I would have lost the pleasure of meeting 
you, Miss Weatherstone.” 

“ If we have as pleasant a time as you pic- 
ture, I certainly shall not regret my choice. 
Are you going to remain here any length of 
time, Mr. Armstrong? ” 

“ I came for a two weeks’ vacation only, but 
now ” — and there was no mistaking his look — 
“ I do not know how long I shall remain.” 

The other girls, by this time, were trying to 
suppress yawns, but Maud had not the slight- 
est indication of sleep, for she found Mr. 
Armstrong very entertaining, and, she ac- 
knowledged to herself : “ Never before have I 
felt such a satisfaction in being entertained.” 

Mrs. Warner noticed that the girls were 



“ Well — we shall meet again to-morrow 

























































LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT 123 

fatigued, so remarked: “ You all must be tired 
after your journey, so I propose retiring.” 

“ And we second the motion,” said Luella, 
as they rose to leave. 

Maud and Mr. Armstrong were obliged to 
follow, much to their sorrow. As they were 
nearing the house, the latter said, consolingly: 

“ Well, one good thing is, we shall meet 
again to-morrow.” Maud answered him with 
an assuring smile and a slight inclination of 
her shapely head. 

Mr. Armstrong, as he stood watching the 
receding form of the girl he had become so 
extremely interested in, was a very distin- 
guished looking man of thirty years ; of a true 
Southern type, tall and slender, with brown 
eyes, fringed with dark lashes, brown, wavy 
hair, and drooping mustache of a lighter 
shade, which partly concealed a firm and finely 
shaped mouth. His face was bronzed by the 
sun, though his complexion was naturally fair. 


124 


FOUR GIRLS 


They were wealthy people, but notwith- 
standing that, Mr. Armstrong held the lucra- 
tive position as bookkeeper for his uncle, pre- 
ferring work rather than idleness. His 
parents resided in the most fashionable part 
of New Orleans, and, being the only son, he 
was a petted child of fortune. But for all 
that, Beverly Armstrong had come out un- 
harmed in every sense of the word. He had 
moved in the highest society from boyhood, 
and had seen all the feminine beauty which no 
city can boast of more than New Orleans. 
But he was not to be caught as he had reached 
the age of thirty, everyone believed him to be 
a confirmed bachelor. Now, the very first sight 
of this English girl had stirred chords in his 
breast which had never vibrated before, and 
he knew that he could never rest until his heart 
was safe in her keeping. 


CHAPTER XIV 


A PROPOSAL 

The girls had no cause to complain, for vis- 
itors came from miles along the coast to call 
on them. Every evening there was something 
new to interest them, and, during the day, they 
would congregate first at one house, then at 
another, for lawn tennis, croquet, or something 
else just as agreeable. 

Two weeks after their arrival Beverly 
Armstrong was lying in the hammock, await- 
ing the girls’ arrival from the bath. He had 
a novel in his hand, but his thoughts would not 
concentrate themselves upon it. Finally, he 
closed the hook with a bang and let it drop to 
the floor of the gallery, then gave himself up 
to the pleasure of thinking. His reverie was 
a delightful one, judging from his counte- 

125 


126 


FOUR GIRLS 


nance, for, every now and then, a smile would 
pass over it and he would turn his head toward 
the bath house. 

Soon the object of his affections emerged 
from the bath house, coming up the wharf. 
He could distinguish her silvery laughter as it 
came, wafted toward him through the per- 
fumed atmosphere. “ Suppose she should re- 
fuse me? ” he mused. The very thought made 
his brain reel. “ One thing is certain, I will 
not stand this terrible suspense any longer; I 
am determined to hear my fate from her own 
exquisite lips to-day.” 

The girls soon passed the summer-house, 
and as Maud neared it, she spied Mr. Arm- 
strong, and said: “Playing solitude, Mr. 
Armstrong? ” 

“ Yes, Miss Maud, and I am extremely tired 
of it. Will you not take pity on my loneliness, 
and give me a few minutes of your valuable 
time? ” 


A PROPOSAL 127 

The other girls had only bowed and 
passed on. 

“ Why, certainly,” Maud answered. “ After 
such a speech, how could I refuse? But first, 
I must go into the house and make myself 
more presentable.” 

“ Don’t be long, for I will await your reap- 
pearance very impatiently,” he replied. 

Maud found her companions resting them- 
selves, and they inquired if she was not going 
to follow their example. 

“ No, I am going out to talk with Mr. Arm- 
strong, as he requested it of me.” 

“ Look here, Maud,” said Luella, “ don’t you 
trifle with him as you have with many others, 
for I think it would break his heart. We all 
know that he is desperately in love with you, 
and it would be cruel to spoil a life like 
his!” 

“ Thank you, little sister, for your timely 
warning; little he knows what a lovely cham- 


128 FOUR GIRLS 

pioness he has.” She kissed Luella and went 

out. 

“ Did I keep you waiting very long? ” she 
asked, as she sat down beside him. 

“ In reality, only a few minutes; but to me 
it was an eternity.” 

“ Are you enjoying yourself here, Miss 
Maud? ” he said. 

“Indeed I am; but I have you to thank 
for most of my enjoyment, Mr. Arm- 
strong.” 

“ I am pleased to know that I have con- 
tributed toward making your stay endurable. 
The other night at Mrs. Bowers’s you ought to 
have been extremely happy, for you certainly 
did not lack attentive admirers.” 

A look of disgust was depicted on her lovely 
face, as she answered: 

“ All the gentlemen there were so insipid — 
present company excepted — they could do 
nothing but dance and talk love.” 


A PROPOSAL 


129 


“ Do you object then so seriously to our sex 
telling you that you are the object of their af- 
fections? ” he asked. 

“ Not if it was the right one; but to be eter- 
nally told how beautiful you are and lots of 
other things equally foolish, when you know 
full well that they do not mean one word they 
are saying, is disgusting! ” 

Mr. Armstrong could not help laughing at 
the frown which wrinkled her lovely forehead, 
and the toss she gave her shapely head. 

“ Miss Maud, suppose a man who was in 
dead earnest should tell you all that, what 
would you say? ” 

She hesitated a moment, and then with 
heightened color, answered: 

“If I liked him, I should encourage him; 
if not, I would do just the opposite.” 

Beverly’s fine face flushed as he eagerly 
caught her hand in his and said: “Maud, I 
love you; will you be my wife? ” 


130 


FOUR GIRLS 


“ Oh, Mr. Armstrong! Do you really mean 
that? ” 

“ Mean it! Yes, from the very depth of my 
heart. You have been in my thoughts ever 
since I first saw you, and the more I see of 
you, the more my affections have been stirred. 
My love has become the ruling passion of my 
life. Tell me, darling, is there any hope for 
me?” 

Her beautiful eyes fell before the stead- 
fastness of his gaze, as she answered: “ Would 
it seem unmaidenly in me if I said that I re- 
ciprocate your feelings? ” 

“Oh, my dearest! can it be possible that I 
am blessed with your love? I can hardly re- 
strain myself from clasping you in my arms 
right here. I will try, I assure you, to be 
worthy of you. Tell me, Maud, had I been too 
timid to propose, would you have hidden your 
affection from me as successfully as you have 
done? ” 


A PROPOSAL 


131 


“ Why, of course, you stupid man. Do you 
think I would have you tell me in after life 
that I did the proposing? ” 

He laughed as he answered: “Well, you 
have queer ideas in that lovely head of yours. 
Now that need not worry you, for I have pro- 
posed.” 

“ And I have accepted,” and she blushed 
vividly as she said it. 

“ I can hardly believe it is possible, my own 
one, that I am to be the possessor of such a 
prize. How I wish we were not in such a con- 
spicuous place, for I am dying for a kiss to 
seal our engagement.” 

“ Well, we are here, so you will have to con- 
tent yourself with holding my hand. Now 
tell me something of yourself; for you must 
remember I know next to nothing of the man 
I have promised to marry.” 

He told her all the particulars of his life and 
his prospects, ending with: “ And you will be 


132 FOUR GIRLS 

mistress of one of the loveliest homes in the old 
city. How proud I will be when I see you 
installed there.” 

She looked up at him and smiled, pride 
beaming in her beautiful eyes, as much as to 
say: “It is not all on your side, for I am 
equally proud.” 

“ Shall we let our secret be known? ” he 
asked. 

“ I am afraid you will betray us by your 
actions. If you think that you can be discreet, 
then we will not divulge it for a while.” 

“ It would not do to make so rash a promise 
as that, for I might break it,” he answered, 
laughingly. 

“ Well, then, you may inform your aunt and 
uncle and I shall tell the girls, so that our con- 
duct cannot be criticised if we sometimes over- 
step the bounds of propriety.” 

“ That means if they sometimes see me steal 
a kiss.” 


A PROPOSAL 


133 


Maud only blushed and smiled. 

The glad light in Maud’s eyes, and the 
lovely flush on her cheek told the girls more 
than words could. 

“Well, we congratulate you, Maud,” said 
Marion. “ Have you accepted him? ” 

“ How do you know that he has proposed? ” 
she answered, laughingly. 

“ By your looks, which betray you,” said 
Ethel. 

“Yes, girls, he did propose, and I — I ac- 
cepted him.” 

“ You are to be congratulated, surely,” said 
Marion, “ for he is a perfect gentleman.” 

Luefla looked so highly elated over the idea 
that Maud said: “Really, little sister, I am 
delighted that you are so pleased,” and she 
threw her arms around her and hugged her. 

The second bell sounded, and they all pro- 
ceeded to dinner. At the table, Mr. Warner 
remarked: 


134 


FOUR GIRLS 


“ Beverly, your two weeks are up ; are you 
going to return to your post of duty? ” 

“ I am afraid not, Uncle, if Charley De- 
laine will be my substitute for a month or so 
longer.” 

Luella, who was seated next to Maud, whis- 
pered: 

“Iron chains could not force him away 
now,” at which Maud blushed and Mr. Arm- 
strong looked knowingly at her. 

“ I suppose he will be only too glad of the 
chance, and as he is a good bookkeeper, I won’t 
mind the change. So you can stay as long as 
you like,” answered Mr. Warner. 

“ Thank you, Uncle, I surely appreciate 
your kindness.” 

“ I was young once,” he replied, as he looked 
lovingly at his wife. “ So I know how you feel 
to be drawn away from such bewitching com- 
pany.” 


\ 



% 


We’s at the stopping place, ladies 


















































































CHAPTER XV 


A PLEASANT SURPRISE 

“We shall be obliged to make some calls to- 
day, girls,” said Marion, as they were going to 
breakfast. 

“ All right,” rejoined Luella, “ we shall see 
what Mrs. Warner thinks about it.” 

“ Were you speaking to me? ” said that lady, 
as she appeared. 

“ Marion was saying, Mrs. Warner, she 
thought it advisable to go visiting this lovely 
morning,” replied Ethel. 

“ Certainly, I know that you will enjoy the 
ride; what time shall I order the carriage for 
you? ” 

“ About nine, please, as it will be better to 
go soon to avoid the heat of the day,” said 
Marion. 


135 


136 


FOUR GIRLS 


Mr. Armstrong looked at Maud with such 
a pleading and insinuating glance that that 
young lady could not fail to understand; so 
she replied with a bow of assent, as much as to 
say: “ I am really obliged to go with them, 
but if I consulted my own feelings, I should 
much prefer remaining home with you.” 

Immediately after breakfast the girls went 
to perform their toilets, and a pretty picture 
they formed when ready for their journey; 
even Marion looked fascinating in her deep 
cream organdie and scarlet ribbons. Maud and 
Ethel were beautiful pictures, worthy of any 
painter’s brush, and Luella was quite petite. 

Thus thought Mr. Armstrong, as he assisted 
them into the carriage, but no one could fail 
to notice the look of admiration and love he 
gave his intended, as he handed her to her seat. 

“ Do not be gone long, please,” he said, “ for 
the time will be unbearable until your return.” 

“ No longer than we can help,” rejoined 


A PLEASANT SURPRISE 137 


Luella, at which they all laughed; for they 
knew that it was meant for Maud alone. 

It was a grand morning; a pleasant breeze 
was blowing from off the water and the daz- 
zling sunlight made the lake sparkle and shine, 
and each little wavelet danced with glee, as 
it moved on its way toward the beach of sand, 
which spread out like a great white sheet until 
it reached the high bluff. The girls were in 
gay spirits, laughing and chatting, and now 
and then, Sam, the driver, would join in with 
some of his queer negro dialect. They made 
quite a number of calls and returned home 
about one o’clock, just in time to do justice 
to a delicious luncheon which was spread be- 
fore them. 

“ After you finish eating, girls, I have a sur- 
prise for you,” said Mrs. Warner, smiling. 

“ Oh, do please tell us!” exclaimed Ethel. 
“ We shall not be able to finish, out of sheer 


curiosity, if you do not.” 


138 


FOUR GIRLS 


The other girls also pleaded, but in vain. 
Mrs. Warner remained firm until they gath- 
ered around her in the big hall, when she said : 
“Nabsha went to the postoffice this morning 
for the mail, and we all received a letter,” and 
she handed them around. 

Ethel’s was from her mother; Luella’s from 
a girl friend; but both Marion’s and Maud’s 
were from their brothers. A dead silence had 
fallen on the group as each one perused the 
contents. 

“ Mrs. Warner,” Maud said, “ brother 
Robert says he is dying of lonesomeness, and 
thinks he will take a trip here to see how we 
are enjoying ourselves.” 

“ And, Bertrand, my brother,” said Marion, 
“ also says that we may expect him soon, as 
he has been granted a vacation. Oh, I am so 
glad,” she continued, “ for I do so want to see 
him.” 

Ethel and Luella exchanged glances to see 


A PLEASANT SURPRISE 139 

how each took Marion’s news, but neither be- 
trayed her feelings, though Ethel’s heart beat 
hard and fast, for she felt that a crisis would 
be reached, and the one he loved best would 
soon he cognizant of the fact. 

“ W on’t you welcome Robert, too, Marion? ” 
asked Luella, with a knowing twinkle in her 
eye. 

“ Why of course, I am always glad to see 
old friends,” answered Marion, a becoming 
flush mantling her brow. 

“ Well, young ladies, when do the gentle- 
men expect to arrive? ” inquired Mrs. Warner. 

Both girls looked at the date of their letters, 
and an exclamation of surprise escaped them 
for they were expected that very evening, by 
the early train. Telling Mrs. Warner that, 
Maud said : 

“ Could you accommodate them, Mrs. War- 
ner? I know that they would rather be with 
us than go to a strange place to board.” 


140 


FOUR GIRLS 


“ I have a spare room, and if they would not 
mind occupying it together, they will be wel- 
come,” she replied. 

“ Oh, thank you, Mrs. Warner; I know 
that they will enjoy rooming together,” said 
Marion, “ that is, I can speak for Bertrand.” 

“ And I think that I can safely answer for 
Robert,” answered Maud. 

Nothing else could be talked about the re- 
mainder of the day but the expected arrivals. 
Even Maud contented herself, for Mr. Arm- 
strong, not expecting them until evening, had 
accepted an invitation to go fishing with some 
young men, and did not return until after the 
carriage had been sent to the station. He had 
been unusually successful on his fishing trip, 
for he carried a large bunch of fish, most of 
them being speckled trout. 

“ What a lovely supper we will have, Bev- 
erly,” was Maud’s greeting, “ and now I must 
tell you the news. Robert and Marion’s 


A PLEASANT SURPRISE 141 

brother, Bertrand, will arrive here this 
evening.” 

“ Good, I shall be delighted to see my old 
friend again. By the way, did you tell him 
that I was here, Maud? ” 

“ I did not, for I wanted to punish him for 
not telling us that he had met you.” 

“ He will be surprised when he sees me, but 
the greatest surprise will come afterward, when 
he learns of our engagement. But I flatter 
myself that he will not raise many objections.” 

“ And if he did, Beverly dear, they would 
have no weight with me; I could marry you 
anyhow.” 

“ Bless you, my own darling, for saying 
that, for if I should lose you now, life would 
not be worth living,” and he kissed the beauti- 
ful face which was so very near his own. Not 
knowing the rivalry between Luella and Ethel 
over Bertrand, he continued, turning to the 
former: 


142 


FOUR GIRLS 


“ Now, Luella, you will have to amuse your- 
self with Mr. Popenjay.” 

An angry flush suffused her face, as she 
answered: “Excuse me, I detest Warren 
Popenjay, and if he persists in his attentions, 
I will soon let him know it.” 

“ You would not wound his little heart with 
anything so unkind and cruel as that, would 
» you? Cupid has already sent his arrows and 
pierced that enough,” said Mr. Armstrong. 

At this, they all laughed, even Luella, for 
she thought that perhaps she might have a tall, 
handsome, blue-eyed man escort her around, 
while Ethel would have to fall back on some- 
one else. 

“ Now, ladies,” Mr. Armstrong was saying, 
“ if you will excuse me, I will make myself 
presentable,” and he bowed himself away. 

“ Come, girls, it is time for us to dress,” said 
Maud, “ and you three must put on your most 
v becoming costumes and look your prettiest.” 


A PLEASANT SURPRISE 143 


“ Trust us for that,” answered her sister. 

“ Maybe Mr. Popenjay will join us to-night, 
Luella,” said Maud. 

Luella’s temper arose and she was about to 
make some angry retort, but checked herself, 
for she knew it would be of no use. Maud 
would only say something more about that hor- 
rid little dude who had taken a particular fancy 
to her, and was with her every chance he got, 
even sending her lovely bouquets of flowers, 
and she hated to hurt his feelings by sending 
them back. 

Just before the arrival of the carriage, the 
girls made their appearance, looking fresh and 
lovely, though the faces of both Marion and 
Ethel bore a look of expectancy, which the 
others lacked. They all seated themselves on 
the long front gallery, and tried to converse; 
but that proved a failure, each being occupied 
by thoughts much more interesting than any 
that could be expressed aloud. 


144 


FOUR GIRLS 


It was an affectionate meeting when Ber- 
trand and Robert arrived, for three of the 
girls, at least. 

“ Well, how did you happen to come on the 
same train? Was it a preconceived plan be- 
tween you ? ” asked Maud. 

“ Why no ; we were as much surprised to 
meet at the station as you are to see us,” an- 
swered Bertrand. 

“ It made the time pass pleasantly on the 
train,” said Robert. As he was talking, his 
eye caught sight of Beverly Armstrong, who 
was standing on the gallery. 

“ Why, Maud,” he continued, “ who is that 
gentleman? I am sure I have seen him 
before.” 

“ Why, of course you have. It is your 
Southern friend whom you met in New York.” 

“ And you never once intimated to me that 
he was here,” he replied. 

“ You never told us that you were ac- 


A PLEASANT SURPRISE 145 


quainted with a New Orleans gentleman, and 
I wanted to play even.” 

“ Well, you have,” he answered. “ I must 
go and speak to him.” 

Mr. Armstrong saw him advancing, so with 
hand outstretched, he hastened to meet him. 

“ Welcome, old fellow, to my aunt’s home,” 
said Armstrong. “ I am glad that our ac- 
quaintance is going to be renewed.” 

“ Well, Armstrong, I was never so surprised 
as when I saw you, and more than pleased,” re- 
plied Weatherstone, as he shook his friend’s 
hand. “ The girls played me a neat little trick 
to get even with me, by not letting me know 
of your being here. Why, I should have been 
here a week sooner, had I only known it. But 
I was afraid to come for fear of being the only 
man.” 

“ Well, you see, I have been the only one 
since they have been here, and I have found it 
exceedingly pleasant.” 


146 


FOUR GIRLS 


Conversation was interrupted by Marion, 
who had come forward to present her brother 
to Mr. Armstrong. 

“ By George! he is a handsome fellow,” he 
thought, as he shook hands with him. “ Pity 
his sister has not some of his looks.” Then 
both gentlemen were introduced to Mrs. War- 
ner, who said: 

“ You see, gentlemen, I have taken good 
care of my charges.” 

“ You have, indeed,” answered Mr. 
Weatherstone. “ I never saw them all look- 
ing better.” 

“ I know that you must be hungry,” said 
Mrs. Warner, “so, Nabsha, show the gentle- 
men to their room, and when they are ready, we 
shall have supper.” 



It was a jolly party that sat down to supper. 


























































CHAPTER XVI 

EXCHANGING CONFIDENCES 

It was a jolly crowd that sat down to Mrs. 
Warner’s supper-table that evening. At times 
it was a perfect bedlam, but with all that, they 
enjoyed it. 

“ You are both in time to enjoy our excur- 
sion party over to the island, day after to-mor- 
row,” said Luella. “ We expect to have a 
glorious time.” 

“ So glad we came, are you not, Weather- 
stone? ” 

“ Indeed I am, Bertrand,” he replied, “ for 
enjoyment is something I need to shake the 
blues which I have been indulging in lately.” 

44 Oh, we can dispel them, I warrant you, 
Weatherstone,” said Armstrong, 44 for I have 
caught you in that mood before.” 

147 


148 


FOUR GIRLS 


“Your kindness on that occasion, Arm- 
strong, will always be appreciated and never 
forgotten, I assure you. For the benefit of the 
party, I am going to give a brief sketch of my 
stay in New York, and how you took pity on a 
perfect stranger, making him enjoy himself.” 

“ Now, really, Mr. Weatherstone, please do 
not be too emphatic in your praises, or I will 
be obliged to leave until you finish.” 

“ No, it shall be nothing but the truth,” an- 
swered his friend. When he had finished, the 
party was lavish in its praise of Mr. Arm- 
strong, his kindness and forethought, all of 
which he took good-naturedly. Then he pro- 
posed to walk to the end of the wharf. This 
proposition placed Bertrand in quite a di- 
lemma, for he did not know which to ask to 
accompany him, Ethel or Luella, but finally 
thought he would settle the difficulty by asking 
them both, so he said: 

“Will you two ladies accept my escort?” 


CONFIDENCES 149 

He was almost positive that one would decline, 
and his supposition was correct, for Luella 
answered : 

“ Thank you, Mr. Roseland, but you know 
the old saying, 4 Two is company; three is a 
crowd ’ ; so I will remain here, as I have an in- 
teresting book which I would like to finish.” 

44 Very well, Miss Luella, please yourself; I 
will not take any exceptions.” 

The others had already started, so Ethel and 
Bertrand followed. Her lovely face beamed 
with pleasure at having the man she loved 
walking by her side, and she even thought 
kindly of the rival who had remained behind. 

Bertrand thought that he had never seen her 
look so beautiful, and he could not fail to notice 
the glad light in her soft hazel eyes, and the 
flush of joy which suffused her face. His 
heart warmed toward her, for, he thought, had 
Luella cared anything for him, she would not 
have given up the contest so easily. 


150 


FOUR GIRLS 


Ethel saw that she had gained the advantage 
over Luella, for never before had Bertrand 
been so solicitous about her. 

“You must be worn out,” she said, “ study- 
ing so hard; no wonder you wanted a va- 
cation.” 

“ Yes, Ethel, it has not been play, I assure 
you, but you see this is my last year as a 
student. After that, I shall commence work 
on my own responsibility, and my success all 
depends on my knowledge as a physician.” 

“ I hope that you will rise and be able to 
stand among those who rank highest.” 

“ Thank you, if good wishes will help, I shall 
succeed,” and his blue eyes looked so bewitch- 
ingly at her that every nerve of her being was 
thrilled with sweet emotion. 

“ Do you know,” he continued, “ that even 
while I toiled, visions of your lovely face would 
float before me, lightening the burden.” 

How her heart throbbed exultantly at this, 


CONFIDENCES 


151 


but she answered, just to try him: “ Have you 
not made a mistake, Bertrand; were not the 
visions of golden tresses, instead of brown? ” 

“ I really do not think that I was mistaken 
in the color, but if I was, what effect would it 
have had on you? ” 

“ That question is too pointed to be a fair 
one; you will excuse me, I am sure, if I decline 
to answer it.” 

“ You need not, for your eyes tell me you 
would have been greatly disappointed. Now, 
what do you think of my egotism? ” 

“ It is certainly past my understanding,” she 
said, laughingly. Thus they continued to talk 
until Ethel could not comprehend whether she 
had any hold on her companion’s affections or 
not. 

In the meanwhile, Marion and Robert 
Weatherstone were carrying on an animated 
conversation; the latter was just saying: 

“Do you think there is an understanding 


152 FOUR GIRLS 

between her and Mr. Armstrong, Miss 
Marion? ” 

Marion turned her dark eyes, full of mis- 
chief and fun, toward him, as she an- 
swered: 

“ Do you think it exactly proper for me to 
betray Maud’s confidence, by telling you what 
she has intrusted with me? ” 

“ Undoubtedly I do, for have I not the right 
to know? ” 

“Of course, Mr. Weatherstone, but she 
should be the one to inform you, not I.” 

“ I would rather listen to it from your lips 
so long as you are in the secret.” 

“ Well, I will tell you. They are in love 
with each other — engaged. There, now, is 
your curiosity satisfied?” 

“ Certainly, but their love-making was 
brought quickly to the focus of an engage- 
ment; don’t you think so, Miss Marion? ” 

“ Yes, but what is the use of dallying under 


CONFIDENCES 153 

such circumstances, when each party knows his 
own mind? ” 

“ Don’t you think it necessary to study each 
other’s disposition a little before placing one’s 
self under the yoke? ” 

“No, Mr. Weather stone, my opinion is that 
even a long engagement will not make you 
able to discover the true character of the other ; 
only marriage brings that out.” 

Robert felt the force of her words, so he only 
answered : “ I see you are disposed to take 

sides against me, so I will ask you something 
about yourself. Have you been killing time 
agreeably? ” 

“ Indeed I have. I do not think any of us 
have regretted our choice of this place for our 
summer outing.” 

“ I suppose you have never given one 
thought to the poor friend you left behind? ” 
he asked. 

“ If you mean yourself, Mr. Weatherstone, 


154 


FOUR GIRLS 


I have thought of you many times, and won- 
dered if you were going to keep your promise 
to visit us here.” 

“ And you, Miss Marion, have been in my 
mind almost continually, which ought not to 
be!” 

“ Why won’t you tell me the barrier that is 
between us?” she said impulsively, and then 
blushed at her own impetuosity. 

He did not seem to notice her tone, but an- 
swered: “I have made up my mind to tell 
you, Miss Marion. No one knows it but my 
mother, and those who are obliged to, but my 
life is hungering for sympathy, which I know 
and feel that you alone can give.” 

Her large dark eyes looked so soft and 
askant at him, while the pity depicted in her 
sweet face was so eloquent that he longed then 
and there to unfold his life’s secret. But he 
desisted, not wishing to spoil their first meet- 
ing, so he said: 


CONFIDENCES 


1 55 


“ To-morrow, if we can stray off alone, I 
shall tell you.” 

While these young people were enjoying 
themselves on the wharf, Luella had just fixed 
herself comfortably in the hammock to read, 
when she heard footsteps, and, looking around, 
saw Warren Popenjay coming toward her. 
She arose very reluctantly, as she greeted him : 

“ Good-evening, Mr. Popenjay.” 

“Aw — good-evening, Miss Luella; aw — 
how very fortunate to find your lovely self 
alone. It is just simply heavenly.” 

Luella made a weird face as she offered him 
a chair. 

“ I saw that you had company,” he contin- 
ued, “ but was doubly pleased to see that it was 
not, aw — your fair self they had come to see.” 

“ Yes, it was my brother, and Mr. Roseland, 
Marion’s brother.” 

“Aw — well, I do declare, how puffectly 
chawming.” 


156 FOUR GIRLS 

Then there was a short pause, in which 
Luella made up her mind not to be at all en- 
tertaining to the love-sick young man before 
her. 

“ Miss Luella — aw — well — I have some- 
thing I would like to tell you, but — aw — I do 
not know exactly how you would receive it. 
You know by my actions, aw — that my very 
being is being consumed by a fire of love that 
your lovely, aw — image has kindled, aw — do 
you think — aw — I mean will you accept this 
love? ” After delivering this speech, he heaved 
a sigh of contentment, as if pleased with him- 
self for being so clever, and thinking that the 
object of his affection before him could not 
possibly refuse him after so much eloquence. 

“ Really, Mr. Popenjay, I appreciate the 
honor you do me by off ering me your love, but 
I am sorry I cannot reciprocate.” 

“ Oh, Luella! aw — star of my life, do not 
say that; how can you be so cruel when you 


CONFIDENCES 157 

know — aw — my very life is bound up in you? 
Why, aw — if you reject my love, I will do 
something awful — awful! Do you hear me, 
Luella? ” and the young man sank down upon 
one knee before her. 

Luella was convulsed with laughter at the 
figure he cut, his little head just rising above 
his high collar, and his watery blue eyes rolled 
up toward her with a most love-sick expression. 
The perspiration stood out on his forehead, 
whether from the heat, or from intense feeling, 
Luella could not tell ; but she said : 

“ Do get up, Mr. Popenjay, someone will 

* 

see you.” 

“ Oh, if you will only say, aw — you will be 
mine, aw — I would not care if the whole world 
saw me, aw — at your feet.” But he took her 
advice and arose. 

“ I am sorry to disappoint you, but I can 
never love you, Mr. Popenjay.” 

“ Well — aw — all hope for happiness for me 


158 


FOUR GIRLS 


is o’er — has entirely vanished, aw — all pleasure 
is ended and I will, aw — be a lonely man.” 

“ Do not take my refusal so much to heart; 
you may yet find a young lady who can appre- 
ciate your noble qualities.” 

“ Aw — no,” was the lovelorn reply. “ Good- 
bye, Miss Luella, aw — you may never look 
upon my face again; but try to think kindly of 
me, for to get rid of a vision of golden tresses, 
aw — and flashing gray eyes, my poor soul may, 
aw — take refuge in peaceful death.” 

“ I beg of you not to do anything rasli,” she 
said, as she bade him good-bye. 

After he had gone, Mrs. Warner came out 
of her room. “ Forgive me for eavesdrop- 
ping, Miss Luella, but I was sleeping when 
your friend came and when I awoke he was in 
the midst of his eloquent proposal, so I did not 
dare to interrupt him and was obliged to 
hear it.” 

Luella burst out laughing, in which Mrs. 


CONFIDENCES 159 

Warner could not help joining, as the former 
remarked : 

“ Did you ever receive a proposal like that, 
Mrs. Warner? ” 

“ No, I was never so fortunate.” 

“Unfortunate, you mean; the little idiot, 
did he suppose I would go through life with 
such a thing as he by my side? ” 

“ He certainly did, or he would never have 
proposed. I have heard that he thinks himself 
irresistible.” 

“ Maybe by refusing him, it will lower his 
estimation of himself.” 

“I doubt it; such as he have very little 
brains.” 


CHAPTER XVII 


THE EXCURSION 

The next day it rained so hard that no one 
went out. The young people amused them- 
selves as best they could, the girls helping Mrs. 
Warner prepare the luncheon for the excur- 
sion, and to get everything in readiness for the 
next day. 

The gentlemen had been playing billiards; 
but tiring of that, Mr. Roseland took up a 
magazine to read and Mr. Armstrong had re- 
tired to a corner of the room to have a con- 
fidential talk, the subject of which was the 
fair Maud. What the ardent lover was say- 
ing must have been entirely satisfactory to the 
brother, for he nodded his head in silent ap- 
proval as the girls entered the room. 

The rest of the day passed and no oppor- 
160 


THE EXCURSION 161 

tunity afforded itself in which Robert could 
relate to Marion his life’s history, so he whis- 
pered to her, as she was retiring for the night: 
“ To-morrow, when we are alone, I will tell 
you what I promised.” 

The morning dawned bright and beautiful, 
the birds were whistling their sweetest notes, 
and the flowers, which, before yesterday’s rain, 
had held their heads drooping from their 
stems, were now raised in all of their beauty 
and grandeur. The Cape jessamines gave out 
their richest perfume, and the white-and-pink 
oleanders added to the loveliness of the scene. 
All was serene on land, but the lake showed 
signs of disturbance and discord from yester- 
day’s storm, for the waves were chasing each 
other in their angry race toward the shore. 

“ Do you think it advisable to go on the 
lake this morning, Mrs. Warner? ” the girls 
asked. 

“Well, the weather is so beautiful that I 


162 FOUR GIRLS 

think the water will subside, but even if it does 
not, you have experienced sailors to guide the 
boat, so you will have little cause to fear. 
But wait and see what the decision of the rest 
of the party will be.” 

It was soon evident what their intentions 
were, for a crowd had gathered in the summer- 
houses. There were ladies in lovely light 
dresses and sailor caps, and gentlemen in 
cream and light blue sailor suits. Mrs. War- 
ner’s party soon joined them, and then all 
went down the wharf, where they were to go 
by skiffloads to the schooner, which was an- 
chored a short distance out in the lake. 

“ Your dismissal has not had very much ef- 
fect upon your late admirer, Miss Luella,” 
whispered Mrs. Warner, who, with quite a 
few of the elder ladies, had come to see the 
party off. 

“No, he seems as spry as ever; he is in- 
capable of feeling deeply,” answered Luella. 


THE EXCURSION 


163 


J ust then the gentleman in question 
stepped lightly up to her, and, extending his 
hand, remarked: 

“ Good-morning, Miss Luella; aw — you 
look as bewitching as ever, and, aw ” — sinking 
his voice lower — “ you see, aw — I have con- 
quered my poor feelings to such an extent, aw 
— that I can now gratefully accept your 
friendship, aw — and value it highly, aw — you 
can’t imagine what a terrible time, aw — I had 
to subdue my raging passion. You would 
pity me, I am sure.” 

Luella could hardly keep from betraying 
the perfect disgust which she felt for him, as 
she answered a polite “ Good-morning,” and 
turned away, leaving him staring after her. 

There were twenty-five young people on 
the schooner, and when the sails were set they 
started on their trip. 

For a while the wind was just brisk enough 
to carry the small vessel skimming along the 


164 


FOUR GIRLS 


surface of the water, and the large waves could 
be seen dashing against its side as the boat 
glided rapidly along. Everyone was in the 
brightest of spirits, talking, laughing, and 
singing songs appropriate to the occasion. 
Eut, alas, such enjoyment cannot always last. 
Poor little Warren P open jay! As he was try- 
ing to play the agreeable to a pretty maiden 
in pink and white he felt his stomach heave 
and his head reel, then he turned a greenish 
cream color. 

“ Why, what is the matter with you, Popen- 
jay? ” exclaimed Mr. Armstrong. 

Warren, with a sickly smile, tried to answer: 
“ Nothing much,” but at the same time made 
a hasty retreat to the rear end of the vessel, 
there to wrench his poor body almost in two. 

Of course, there was a general snicker at 
his expense. “ But he laughs best who laughs 
last,” and one by one, nearly the whole party 
had succumbed to seasickness. 


THE EXCURSION 


165 


The wind had changed in the opposite di- 
rection and the waves had risen to billowy 
whitecaps, tossing the vessel hither and 
thither, and making the girls of the party 
deathly sick. Some of them were continually 
asking if there was any danger. Of course, 
the answer they got was always in the nega- 
tive. 

For five hours they continued; then the 
wind lulled and they headed toward the shore, 
for as the sickness wore away, the party be- 
came desperately hungry. They landed and 
found that they were only fifteen miles from 
home at a place called “ Mayer’s Bayou.” The 
crew was awfully sorry to disappoint them, 
but all said that even this would be enjoyable 
to what they had experienced. 

There was a lovely grove on the shore and 
the place seemed as if fashioned by nature for 
a picnic, with its soft spots of velvety grass, 
overshadowed by large trees. By two o’clock 


166 


FOUR GIRLS 


everyone had gathered to dine, and everything 
looked inviting to the hungry folks. The 
snow-white cloths were spread on the ground, 
and on them were placed the contents of the 
numerous hampers which contained every 
delicacy which the season afforded. When 
the gay company was seated, they made the 
woods resonant with laughter and merriment. 

“ Come, Miss Marion, let us go for a walk,” 
said Robert Weatherstone, as he gave her his 
hand to assist her to rise. 

They strolled for quite a distance, then 
seated themselves in a secluded little nook, and 
Marion’s heart thrilled with violent emotion 
as the man she loved reclined beside her, know- 
ing, as she did, that he was there for the ex- 
press purpose of opening his heart to her. 
There was a short pause, then, looking into 
her dark eyes, he seemed to take courage, and 
he related to Marion the same story he had 
told his mother. While reciting it, Marion’s 


THE EXCURSION 167 

lovely eyes looked pityingly on him, and filled 
with tears. 

He had kept his eyes cast down until he had 
nearly finished, then looking at her suddenly, 
saw the pearly tear-drops fall. “And you 
really sympathize with us that much?” he 
asked, as he caught her hands in his. “ I was 
almost sure you would, yet I feared to tell 
you.” 

“ How nobly you have borne it! ” she made 
reply. “ How noble you are! ” 

“ Don’t call me that, for many a time have 
I been tempted to end my troubles in the soli- 
tude of the grave, and had I been certain that 
they would have ended there, I should not 
have hesitated, but the dread of an everlast- 
ing punishment stayed my hand.” 

“Oh, my dear friend! What a terrible 
thing it would have been for you to have taken 
your life. Far better live this life of bitter 
pain than to end it before it is called.” 


168 


FOUR GIRLS 


“ But, Marion, you do not know half I have 
suffered! Sometimes, I have thought I too 
would go insane; for I loved Una with a love 
unspeakable, and to have her thus — oh, God, 
it is almost unbearable! ” 

“ Calm yourself, my friend, and think only 
of your one short year of happiness. Can you 
not realize that there are some lives that never 
have a ray of sunshine to illuminate their dark- 
ened pathway; all is dismal and gloomy.” 

“ Well, Marion, they are to be pitied,” he 
said as his handsome face brightened. 

“ You have borne your grief so well in the 
past that perhaps in the future it will become 
easier.” As she said this, she slightly pressed 
the hand which held hers. 

“ The load seems lighter, already, since I 
have made you my confidante, little one. Y our 
dark eyes remind me of hers ; they were the first 
thing to draw me toward you. Then your 
gentle ways were similar, and I have blended 


THE EXCURSION 


169 


your two images together in my mind ever 
since I made your acquaintance, and it com- 
forts me.” 

Marion dropped her eyes and suppressed a 
sigh, for she knew now that her life was to be 
a barren waste ; that the strong arm beside her 
would never be hers to lean upon. 

“ You have lifted a load from my mind, 
Mr. Weatherstone, by confiding in me, and 
maybe, at some future time I can give you 
some words of comfort.” 

“ I really feel better now, Marion, but, my 
little friend, do not suppose for one instant 
that every time we are alone that my troubles 
will be the theme of our conversation. We 
shall, with your permission, avoid the subject, 
for I only wanted your silent sympathy. And 
now let us join the rest of the party, for it 
must be almost time to be wending our way 
homeward.” 

When they arrived, they found everything 


170 FOUR GIRLS 

in the greatest confusion, and, on inquiring 
the cause, were told that Ethel had nearly 
been drowned. 

Ethel had been feeling quite elated all day, 
Bertrand having shown quite a preference for 
her company. When Luella had asked her 
to go for a row down the bayou all by them- 
selves, she consented willingly. They got into 
the skiff and were going rapidly down the 
stream, when Ethel, standing up for a mo- 
ment, fell headlong into the water. 

Luella screamed, but no one seemed to hear 
her, the rest of the party being at too great a 
distance for her voice to reach them, but for- 
tunately, there was one who thought he heard 
a cry of distress, and he ran in the direction 
from which the sound came; as he drew nearer 
the bayou he distinctly heard Luella’s cries. 
It was Bertrand who had made his appearance 
in so timely a manner. 

As he saw the gleaming brown head rise to 










He brought her safely to the bank. 





































































\ 

4 . 









* 






































C 


















THE EXCURSION 


171 


the top of the water his heart gave a great 
thump. It was but a second’s work to throw 
off coat and hat and plunge into the water 
just in time to catch the girl’s clothes as she 
had risen for the last time. 

He brought her safely to the bank, but she 
was unconscious. Both he and Luella worked 
faithfully until signs of returning life re- 
warded them, and as Ethel opened her eyes 
and looked into the face which bent with so 
much anxiety over her, she smiled, then closed 
them again. 

This made Bertrand forget the presence of 
Luella, for raising Ethel’s head until it rested 
on his shoulder, he lowered his and kissed her 
pearly cheek, calling her his darling, his own. 

It was more than Luella could stand to listen 
to these protestations of love for the girl, al- 
though she knew that her feelings for him had 
never been deep, yet her pride was hurt. She 
turned to walk away, and this brought Ber- 


172 FOUR GIRLS 

trand to his senses ; so, calling to her to return, 

he said: 

“ Miss Luella, we must get Ethel into the 
skiff and take her home, for she will take cold 
in her wet garments.” 

Ethel heard him, and answered before 
Luella had time to do so: “I think, with your 
assistance, I shall be able to get in myself.” 
She felt equal to almost anything now, being 
sure of Bertrand’s love; notwithstanding her 
wet clothing, she felt a warm flow of mingled 
joy and pleasure suffuse her whole being at 
the thought of his kiss upon her cheek, though 
she made no sign to show that she remem- 
bered it. 

When they entered the boat, Bertrand rowed 
with rapid strokes to where the rest were gath- 
ered, and great was their astonishment when 
they learned what had happened. The ladies 
took Ethel in charge, and took her to a house 
a short distance away, where both she and 


THE EXCURSION 


178 


Bertrand were supplied with clothes while their 
own were being dried, and when Marion and 
Mr. Weatherstone made their appearance, the 
commotion had almost subsided. 

When things were put in order they were 
soon sailing smoothly homeward, the breeze 
being just stiff enough to fill the sails nicely. 


CHAPTER XVIII 


THE BONFIRE 

“You will not put off our marriage any later 
than November, will you?” Mr. Armstrong 
was saying, as he and Maud were sitting un- 
der a large pine tree. They had strolled out 
for a confidential chat, as the girls expected to 
return to their homes very soon. 

“ Why, I do not see how I can be ready in 
that short time; I have my trousseau to get 
and a thousand and one things to attend to, 
Beverly.” 

“ It does not take long to get a trousseau, 
darling, for you can buy everything ready 
made.” 

“ How do you know that, sir? Have you 
ever bought any? ” she said, laughingly. 

“ No, but I have heard Mother say so, and 

174 


THE BONFIRE 17 5 

now promise me, for even that length of time 
will seem a century to me.” 

“ Suppose Papa and Mother will not give 
their consent, then what shall we do, Beverly? ” 

“ Now, you just want to annoy me. I know 
they will, for your brother says so.” 

“Well, I suppose I must adapt myself to 
your proposition, as I see no alternative.” 

“ My sweetheart! ” and he caught her in his 
arms, nearly smothering her with kisses. 

Hand in hand, they walked up the long lane 
which led toward the house. It had been a 
sultry day, but now, as they neared the coast, 
a soft breeze came from the water, which felt 
very refreshing. 

“Here are the stragglers!” exclaimed 
Luella, as her sister and Mr. Armstrong made 
their appearance. “Don’t you both feel 
ashamed? You have kept dinner waiting for 
half an hour.” 

“ See how penitent we look,” Beverly re- 


176 FOUR GIRLS 

plied, as he put on a very sanctimonious air, 

but with mischief dancing in his eyes. 

“ Yes, we see it,” said his aunt with a laugh, 
“ so get ready and come to the table.” 

Soon they were all seated and doing justice 
to the savory meal. 

“We have a surprise for you, Maud,” said 
Ethel. “ Sam and Nabsha have been out all 
day gathering pine knots and dry pine brush 
to make a large bonfire on the beach to-night ; 
won’t it be lovely? ” 

“ That is just the thing!” exclaimed Bev- 
erly. “ Strange we did not think of that 
before.” 

“ It might be for you, but you are excus- 
able,” answered Mrs. Warner, at which both 
he and Maud changed color, while the others 
thought it a splendid joke. 

“Aunt, I think you are incorrigible; you 
never miss a chance to tease.” 

After dinner, they all gathered in the sum- 


THE BONFIRE 


177 


mer-house; on the beach everything was in 
readiness for the night’s illumination. It was 
a grand sight. At first, the fire spread a pink- 
ish cast on the pearly white sand around it, 
then as the dry pine brush was heaped upon it, 
the hue changed to fiery red, which reflected 
on all the objects around, and, as the flames 
and sparks shot upward, they illuminated the 
bluff for a great distance, and threw its re- 
flection on the surface of the water. 

The most of the young folks, finding it too 
warm to remain on the beach, went to the 
benches on the wharf. Bertrand Roseland 
asked Ethel to take a walk ; so excusing them- 
selves, they left the rest of the party. As they 
walked along, Mr. Roseland began: 

“ Ethel, do you know that the fright you 
gave me has decided my feelings toward you? 
Had you drowned, life to me would have been 
a barren waste, and the very thought of los- 
ing you,” he continued, in a low, soft, plead- 


178 


FOUR GIRLS 


ing voice, “ made my heart ache, and I knew 
that nothing but the purest love could create 
such emotion. Look up, darling, and tell me 
if a reward awaits me?” 

Ethel raised her eyes, which now had a 
gleaming light in them. “ Is it possible, Mr. 
Piper, that you wish me to dance to the first 
tune you play,” she asked, laughingly. “ My 
heart is not to be conquered so easily, and 
surely, when it takes so long to decide between 
two girls, your love for either cannot probe 
very deep.” 

“ Why, Ethel, I did not know that you 
could be so bitter; don’t turn away from me, 
now that I have discovered my true feelings 
toward you ! Be merciful, Ethel, and give me 
some encouragement.” 

How handsome he looked, with his head bent 
toward her, and the flush of excitement 
stamped on his brow. How she longed to 
throw herself in his arms and tell him that she 


THE BONFIRE 


179 


was his, and had been since the day she grad- 
uated. But pique stood between her and this 
acknowledgment. She thought he ought to 
be punished, for had he not made her suffer? 
So she answered: 

“ Really, Mr. Roseland, your declaration 
is rather sudden; you will have to give me time 
to consider the question.” 

“ Ethel, have I been deceived in your actions 
toward me? There were many times when 
I thought you cared for me; when I was even 
jealous. Tell me, was I so very much mis- 
taken? ” 

“ I cannot give you a definite answer now, 
so let us join the rest of the party,” and she 
arose to go. 

“ Ethel, I cannot stand this ; the suspense 
will completely unman me! Do give me some 
little encouragement! Do you think I can 
leave to-morrow on this uncertainty? ” and he 
caught her hand and held it. 


180 


FOUR GIRLS 


“ Please let me go, for I cannot answer you 
now.” But something in her voice made him 
thrill with joy as he looked at her; and what 
he saw in her face reassured him, for he 
caught her in his arms, and she, letting her 
head rest on his breast, took refuge in tears. 

He held her tightly clasped for many min- 
utes in silence, then said: 

“ I know, my darling, why you have acted 
in this manner, and I glory in your independ- 
ence; but, Ethel, if you will only stop to think, 
you will see that I acted conscientiously, and 
knowing my love for you now, I can brook no 
delay. I was surprised at your answer, I must 
acknowledge, for I felt that you loved me; 
that is what made me speak now. Kiss me, 
my darling.” She raised her beautiful face, 
all bedewed with sparkling tear-drops, and 
touched her lips to his — then he continued: 

“ Ethel, sweet one, may I ask your parents 
when we return? ” 


THE BONFIRE 181 

“Won’t that be too soon, Bertrand?” she 
replied, softly. 

“No, darling, for I long for you to he 
wholly mine.” 

“ Suit yourself and I will have no objec- 
tions,” she answered. 

“ Thank you, Ethel; now I am as happy as 
Mr. Armstrong seems to be; how very much 
in love he and Maud are ! In their case, riches 
will marry riches and they will live in grand 
style. But never mind, darling, I intend to 
make a mark in the world, and we, too, shall 
be rich some day.” 

“We won’t be very poor, ourselves,” said 
Ethel with an arch smile. 

“ No, but it will not be your money; I want 
to make some of my own.” 

“ Well, I love you just as much as if you 
were laden with riches, Bertrand dear, so do 
not let that disturb you.” 

“ It makes my heart rejoice to hear you 


182 


FOUR GIRLS 


speak that way, my sweetheart, but even then, 
I will try to win a name of which we both can 
feel proud.” 

“ Which I have every confidence in your 
doing.” 

After that flattering speech, Bertrand took 
her in his arms and kissed her many times. 
Looking up, he saw the whole party coming 
toward them, and snatching one more kiss from 
Ethel’s lovely lips, he proposed that they should 
go to meet them. 

The fire had died out by this time and noth- 
ing remained but a bed of red-hot coals, 
around which the darkies sat roasting peanuts 
and sweet potatoes, and having a good time. 

It was after eleven o’clock when the party 
retraced their steps, and after laughing good- 
nights had been said, they all went to their 
separate abodes. 


CHAPTER XIX 


A MOONLIGHT SAIL 

“So you have really made up your minds to 
leave us on Tuesday, young ladies? ” said Mrs. 
Warner, as they sat at the breakfast-table, 
Sunday morning. 

“ Yes, we must leave you then, and I 
suppose you will be rejoiced,” answered 
Maud. 

“ On the contrary,” was the reply, “ I wish 
you would remain longer. It will be dread- 
fully lonesome after you go, and I suppose you 
will leave us also? ” she continued, looking at 
her nephew. 

“ I shall accompany the young ladies on 
their homeward journey to take care of them,” 
he replied. 

“ You mean, Mr. Armstrong, you will take 


183 


184 FOUR GIRLS 

care of one, and let the rest of us paddle our 
own canoe,” said Luella, laughingly. 

“ I shall repay you some day, miss, for that 
saucy speech,” replied Beverly. 

For answer, he got only a toss of her golden 
curls and a grimace of her bright face, as she 
and Ethel excused themselves and went out 
to the hammock. 

“ Oh, dear, Sunday is such a lonesome day 
here. If you want to attend church, you have 
to ride five miles in the raging hot sun; then 
you are so overheated when you reach there 
that you cannot listen to the sermon, much 
less digest it,” said Ethel. 

“Yes, it is the only long day, but even that 
passes quickly if you have the right kind of 
company; is that not so, Ethel? I know that 
you did not find last Sabbath dull, now did 
you ? ” asked Luella. 

Ethel blushed as she acknowledged that she 
did not, for had she not the one with her then 


A MOONLIGHT SAIL 185 

that she loved dearest on earth? And in the 
glimmer of love’s young dream any place 
would seem a paradise. 

“ See, Ethel, there are Fanny and Sadie 
Dunsart in their summer-house ; let us go and 
have a chat with them. They look as lonesome 
as we feel.” So the two girls started down the 
walk. 

“ Where are you going? ” called out Maud. 

“ To kill time,” answered her sister. 

“ Don’t you think that we would find it more 
pleasant in the summer-house?” Robert 
Weatherstone remarked. “ Come, Marion, 
let us take the lead.” Marion arose, but the 
other two remained seated. 

Luella and Ethel returned a few hours later, 
talking of a sailing party which was to be got- 
ten up in their honor the next evening. 

“ Fanny Dunsart told us,” began Luella, 
“ that her brother is coming home to-morrow 
in a sail-boat. He has been spending his sum- 


186 


FOUR GIRLS 


mer at Biloxi, Mississippi. She has invited 
us all to go sailing, one of these nights when 
we have a lovely moonlight.” 

“ We shall be most delighted to accept the 
invitation,” said Mr. Armstrong. 

“ Then please do not disgrace me by having 
too much of a love scene; for sailing by moon- 
light has a tendency to make people doubly 
sentimental, you know,” answered Luella, 
laughing. 

“ Then look out for Warren Popenjay; he 
may again try to win the affections of a certain 
young lady,” replied Armstrong. Everyone 
laughed and Luella was silenced for the time 
being. 

Nothing was talked of but the prospective 
sailing party the rest of the evening, and the 
girls even dreamed about it. About ten o’clock 
next morning, a sail-boat was seen far out in 
the lake, and it was watched with interest until 
it reached its landing-place. 


A MOONLIGHT SAIL 187 

All the Dunsart family were there to wel- 
come the idol of their household home, and 
they escorted him and his fellow-companions 
up the wharf to the house. 

“ There is great rejoicing in that home to- 
day,” said Robert Weatherstone, with a sigh, 
which was understood by Marion only. 

“Yes; how gay they all were over his com- 
ing,” answered Luella. 

The girls were busy packing for their jour- 
ney homeward when they were interrupted by 
Fanny Dunsart, who had called. She was a 
pretty girl of eighteen, with large dark eyes, 
hair of glossy blackness and clear olive com- 
plexion. She had come over to press the in- 
vitation. 

“ And you will be sure to come, won’t you? ” 
she asked. 

“We shall be delighted,” answered Maud. 
“ At what time do we start? ” 

“Just after supper; we shall meet at our 


188 


FOUR GIRLS 


summer-house, then go down on the wharf and 
wait for the moon to rise.” 

The sailing party consisted of sixteen ladies 
and gentlemen, and just as the glimmering 
moon arose above the horizon, they all got into 
the boat and sailed away. There was a light 
breeze blowing, just enough to swell the canvas 
and glide the boat along, and as the water 
parted at the bow, showing the phosphorescent 
gleaming, as if on fire, there was an exclama- 
tion of, “ Oh, how beautiful! ” 

As the moon ascended gracefully, gliding 
through her path, hemmed in by innumerable 
stars whose light paled by her inconceivable 
brightness and whose reflection upon the water 
looked like greenish silver, it made a lovely 
picture. Never was there a more enjoyable 
party. All contributed according to each one’s 
ability — Maud with her beautiful soprano 
voice, Marion with her soft alto, Mr. Arm- 
strong joining in with a decidedly good tenor. 


A MOONLIGHT SAIL 189 


Young Mr. Dunsart had brought his guitar 
to help the entertainment, and even little War- 
ren Popenjay sang his love-sick ditties with 
true animation. 

They reached home at one o’clock in the 
morning, and all were profuse in their thanks 
for the pleasant time they had enjoyed. 


CHAPTER XX 


HOMEWARD BOUND 

Mrs. Warner turned with a sigh as she re- 
traced her steps toward the house; for the last 
good-byes had been said, and the young people 
who for the last two months had enlivened 
her home had taken their departure, leaving 
her lonesome and sad. 

As she seated herself on the gallery, her 
thoughts recurred to her married life; for the 
child that had died left her heart with an ach- 
ing void which could never be filled. 

“ If my daughter had only lived/’ she 
mused. 

The young folks had a jolly trip home, and 
when they arrived at their destination they 
were met by those who were truly glad to wel- 
come them back. 


190 


HOMEWARD BOUND 


191 


The Weatherstones’ handsome carriage was 
awaiting them, and their father had come in it, 
being anxious to see them. After he had em- 
braced both girls and commented on how well 
they were looking, Maud introduced her lover 
to him. 

The old gentleman gave him a sharp, scru- 
tinizing look; then, as if pleased with what he 
saw in the open countenance, held out his hand 
and grasped Mr. Armstrong’s in a hearty En- 
glish grip and welcomed him to his home. 

Mrs. Weatherstone was standing on the wide 
piazza, waiting to welcome her girls home. 
How her mother’s heart beat with pride as 
she saw her two beautiful daughters hasten- 
ing to meet her. She folded each to her bosom 
with a loving embrace, then Mr. Armstrong 
was presented to her. After they had con- 
versed for a while, Robert appeared and con- 
ducted Beverly to his room, while the girls 
retired to theirs to prepare for dinner. 


192 FOUR GIRLS 

“ Well, it is good to be home once again,” 
said Maud. 

“ Indeed, it is,” answered her sister, “ but 
I would have enjoyed it better if that horrid 
little Warren Popenjay had not worried me 
so.” 

“ You cannot but acknowledge, Luella, that 
he was amusing for all that, for you might have 
had the blues if it had not been for his non- 
sense.” 

“ I guess you are about right, Maud, for I 
had no real beau to say sweet nothings to me. 
By the way, I think that Papa is pleased with 
Beverly, for did you catch the expression on 
his face when you first introduced him? ” 

“Yes, I felt confident they both would ad- 
mire him; for he is a man who would draw 
people toward him anywhere.” 

“ He is a polished gentleman, Maud, and 
you are fortunate to have captivated him.” 

They reached the drawing-room just as the 


HOMEWARD BOUND 


193 


gentlemen made their appearance, and the 
gong having sounded, they all entered the 
dining-room. It was a happy reunion, and 
the young folks entertained Mr. and Mrs. 
Weatherstone with their experiences on the 
lake shore. 


CHAPTER XXI 


THE DEATH 

Robert Weatherstone had been at home 
only a few days when he received a telegram 
from the doctor of the institute where his wife 
was confined, saying that she was seriously ill 
and for him to come on immediately. 

He made such hasty preparations as were 
necessary, and telling his father that he was 
again called to New York, was about to leave 
when his mother stopped him, saying: 

“ Come to my boudoir a moment, Robert ; 
I would like to speak to you, my son.” 

He followed her there, and as they entered, 
she closed the door, then turning to him, said : 

“ Is the telegram in regard to her, Robert? ” 

“ Yes, Mother, Una is very sick, perhaps 
dying, and that is my great hurry.” 

194 


THE DEATH 


195 


“ Well, my son, as terrible as death is, we 
could not wish to have her remain here on earth 
in perfect mental darkness, for we all believe 
that in the life beyond she will have her reason 
and be as one of the bright and shining angels 
in heaven. Oh, my son, how much better it 
will be for her! ” 

A stifled sob burst forth which shook the 
very depth of the strong man’s frame, as he 
exclaimed : 

“But, Mother, it is so hard! If we could 
question the justice of divine providence, we 
would ask why this dreadful calamity was sent 
to ruin the life of«one so young and fair. Oh, 
Mother, you would have no conception of her 
loveliness. She is one of the fairest flowers 
ever planted in this great universe, and yet, 
like a flower, is left to pine away and die, 
hidden away from the sight of man, a life al- 
together lost to her fellow-beings.” 

His mother gently laid her hand on her son’s 


196 


FOUR GIRLS 


head, as she answered: “ You knew, my boy, 
before you clasped that beautiful flower to 
your breast that it was doomed. Yet your 
love was so great that you braved all and took 
it for your own, regardless of the conse- 
quences, and how relentless has been fate to 
thus pour down upon your head the fullest 
extent of her wrath for thus defying this 
warning.” 

As his mother was speaking, a look of 
resignation crossed his brow and illuminated 
his eyes, and he answered: 

“ I feel the justice of your remarks, Mother, 
and shall take my departure with a much 
more resigned spirit than I have ever before 
had. You have done me much good, little 
Mother.” 

“ Thank God for that, my darling boy, and 
may He give you strength and fortitude to 
bear whatever trials are before you.” 

“ May your prayer be answered, Mother,” 


THE DEATH 


197 


he said, as he tenderly embraced her. “ Now 
I must go or I shall be late.” 

He reached the station just in time to catch 
the fast express which was to carry him to his 
destination. New York City at night is a 
grand sight, but Robert had no eyes for its 
beauty; his thoughts were with her who, he 
felt, was fast slipping from this mortal 
sphere. 

Hailing a cab, he was driven as fast as 
horse could take him to where she was. As 
he alighted from the vehicle and rang the 
bell, a cold shudder passed through him. The 
doctor answered the summons. 

“ How is she? ” asked Robert. 

“ There is no hope for her, sir,” replied the 
doctor ; “ her constitution is not strong, so when 
the disease fastened itself on her, she could not 
cope with it.” 

Mr. Weatherstone, controlling himself by 
a desperate effort, asked to be conducted to 


198 


FOUR GIRLS 


her. They entered the chamber of death to- 
gether, but as Robert stepped to the bedside 
where his wife lay, and took her soft, white 
hand in his, the doctor retraced his steps and 
left the room. Looking down on the pale, 
beautiful face that lay so still, he whis- 
pered: 

“Una!” 

“ Is that you, Robert? ” came the soft an- 
swer from the lovely lips. 

A cry of surprise escaped the husband’s lips, 
and he sank down on his knees beside her. 

“Do you know me at last, my darling, my 
wife? ” 

“ Yes, dearest, but only to be separated 
again until death unites us. It seems like a 
long dream, Robert, since we last sat by the 
water-side and watched the moon spread her 
silver rays on it.” 

“ Yes, my loved one; it has been a dream to 
you, but to me a stern reality.” 


THE DEATH 


199 


“ Have I been sick long, Robert? ” 

“ Very long, my Una.” 

“ I shall never recover, Robert, my husband, 

for I feel ” Here she sank back on her 

pillow and a death-like pallor spread over her 
face. 

“ Oh, my God! she is dead! ” he cried. 

The doctor hastened to the bedside and see- 
ing that it was only a faint, gave her a stim- 
ulant which speedily revived her — she opened 
her great black eyes again, looked around as 
if in search of someone; when as they fell on 
her husband, a lovely smile illuminated her face 
and she whispered, softly: 

“ Do not leave me, dearest, for I feel that 
my end is near, and I want you by my side 
when it comes.” 

“ I will stay with you, my wife,” was all 
he could say. 

“ We were so happy, were we not, dearest? ” 
she said. 


200 FOUR GIRLS 

“ Unutterably so, my own precious wife,” 
replied Robert. 

She seemed to think for a little space of 
time, then said: 

“ Robert, do you remember why my parents 
did not wish you to marry me? ” 

“ Yes, my wife.” 

“And their fears have come true, Robert, 
for I know now that I have been insane.” 

“ Oh, Una! don’t! don’t! ” he broke out in 
agony. 

“ It was terribly hard for you, I know, my 
darling husband, for I remember it all now. 
Just after our baby was born all was darkness. 
Did it live, our little one? ” 

“ No, Una, it died when it was two days old,” 
he answered, as he bent his head, and sobs shook 
his frame. 

“ It was just as well, Robert dear, for it 
might have shared the same fate as its mother. 
Will you miss me when I am gone, Robert? 


THE DEATH 


201 


I have been nothing but a source of trouble and 
anxiety to you, and it will be well when I am 
gone; — Robert, I should have liked so much 
to have seen your mother.” 

“Oh, my darling! my darling!” cried the 
heart-broken man. “If I only could have 
known this she would have accompanied me, 
for she knows of our union.” 

“And she does not blame me, Robert, for 
ruining your life? ” 

“No, my Una, she had only the deepest 
sympathy for you.” 

“ But I have been only a sorrowful burden 
to you, my husband.” 

“ Our joy came first, my loved one.” 

The paleness came into her face again, and 
her eyes closed as if in death, but after a 
moment she whispered: 

“ Come near me, Robert — take me in your 
arms and hold me tight, for I am slipping away 
from you — I feel the cold chills of death creep- 


202 


FOUR GIRLS 


ing over me — I am content, my husband, to 
die — in your arms.” 

She was still a while, then said : “ Kiss me, 
Robert.” 

He touched the beautiful lips, so tenderly, 
as if he was afraid that even a kiss, ever so 
light, would hasten the soul from its lovely; 
body of clay. A heavenly smile lit up her face, 
making it radiantly beautiful, then a long- 
drawn sigh escaped her lips, and with it went 
the soul of Una Weatherstone. 

Her husband’s agonizing cry brought the 
doctor to his side, who, when he saw that death 
had come, walked silently away. 

Long he mourned by the side of his loved 
one. When he arose, the doctor, who had come 
in, put his hand on Robert’s shoulder, saying: 

“ She is asleep ; your grief will not disturb 
her.” 

This seemed to have some effect on Robert, 
for he arose and tottered to a chair. But 


THE DEATH 203 

he would not leave her alone, and when the new 
day dawned he was still watching by his dead. 
Then the doctor, taking him gently by the 
hand, led him from the room. He made no 
resistance, but went like one in a dream. 

“ Mr. Weatherstone, have you made any 
arrangements regarding your wife’s funeral 
or burial?” the doctor asked. 

“ I wish to take her home. I would like 
to send a telegram.” 

The doctor placed pen, ink, and paper be- 
fore him and he wrote: 

“Dear Mother: To-night I propose to 
bring, to be laid in the vault at Langly Hall, 
all that remains to me of my wife. You may 
tell them all. 


“ Robert.” 


CHAPTER XXII 


THE FUNERAL 

The family were seated in the drawing-room 
at Langly Hall, when the carrier brought 
in the mail bag. Mr. Weatherstone, on open- 
ing it, found a telegram addressed to his wife, 
which he handed to her. 

“So it is as he expected,” she murmured, 
her eyes filling with tears, but she knew that 
she had a task before her that she could not 
shirk — that of telling the rest of the family 
Robert’s sad story — so she choked back her 
emotions and said: 

“ This is from Robert, and I have a very 
painful duty to perform. But before I tell 
you, I must beg of you all not to censure him 
for not relating it to you, for it would have 
done no good, only to cast a shadow upon 
your lives.” 


THE FUNERAL 


205 


Beverly Armstrong arose to leave the room, 
for he feared the presence of a stranger would 
be embarrassing, but Mrs. Weatherstone 
said: 

“ Please be seated, for are you not one of us 
now? ” Then the mother told them the sad 
story of Robert’s marriage. 

Many times her heart was wrung with an- 
guish, and her gentle eyes filled with tears be- 
fore she ended, but she persevered until the 
part came where she had to tell them of the 
sad end; then her nerves gave way, and hand- 
ing the telegram to her husband, she silently 
left the room. 

Both Maud and Luella were weeping bit- 
terly, and the father had to wipe his eyes many 
times as he tried to read the telegram. 

“Well, girls,” he said, as his voice faltered, 
“here is the end of Robert’s story. Death, 
the conqueror, has placed his cold hand upon 
the fair one, and claimed her for his own.” 


206 


FOUR GIRLS 


“ Oh, is she dead, Papa? ” exclaimed both 
of the girls at once. 

“ Yes, listen to this,” and he read the mes- 
sage Robert had sent. “ But is it not better 
so? ” he continued. “ Could we wish her back 
when the light of reason was denied her? No, 
she is far happier now, and time, the healer 
of all wounds, will dull Robert’s sorrow, and 
he will look back upon her memory with love 
and pity. And now, girls, you will have to put 
your feelings aside and get the house in readi- 
ness, for Robert will be here this evening.” 

The girls arose and went silently around, 
doing as their father suggested. The servants 
were told so that the arrival of the corpse 
would not excite them, but there were many 
whispered conferences and awestruck voices 
among them. It was during this day that Mr. 
Armstrong proved himself the true man that 
he was, for if it had not been for his words of 
encouragement and friendly aid, the house- 


THE FUNERAL 


207 


hold would have been in confusion. Try as 
they would, their brother’s grief would come 
to them and almost bereave them of their 
senses. 

Once during the day Maud stole to her 
lover’s side, and placing her little soft hand in 
his, said: “ Beverly dear, I wonder what we 
would have done if you had not been here to 
help us? ” 

“My darling,” he answered, as his hand- 
some face beamed down upon her, “ words can- 
not express how grateful I am to circum- 
stances which have placed me here to be of 
service to you all, in this hour of bereavement, 
and I hope to stand by Robert and do what I 
can to lighten his terrible sorrow.” 

“ Thank you, my beloved one,” she answered. 
“ Robert will sorely need sustaining in his 
agonizing trouble, I know. The house has 
already the appearance of death, Beverly,” 
and she shuddered as she pressed closer to him. 


208 


FOUR GIRLS 


“ Yes, my darling, all is so quiet and — 
hark! yonder goes the carriage to bring back 
its silent occupant.” 

“ Then I must go to see where Mother and 
Luella are,” and she left her lover and went 
in search of them. 

What a home-coming ! Everything draped 
in crape, and white flowers instead of gay 
bunting roses of variegated hue. Here were 
hushed voices and silent tread in place of gay 
laughter and dancing steps, weeping instead 
of rejoicing. 

Just as the clock proclaimed the hour of six, 
the carriage appeared, drawn by two milk- 
white horses, and stopped before the door. 
Robert alighted first, then his father. Be- 
tween them they bore the casket that held but 
a form of clay, up the steps and placed it 
where it was intended to rest. 

The bereaved husband then went to his 
mother and fondly embraced her, saying: “ I 


THE FUNERAL 


209 


have brought what is left of my beautiful Una, 
and we will bury her where she belongs.” 

“ You did right, my son; may heaven give 
you strength to bear the great trial,” replied 
his mother. 

He kissed his sisters, and, shaking hands with 
Mr. Armstrong, said bitterly: 

“ There is what is left of my wife; come, let 
us open the casket so you may all see what a 
vision of loveliness I have lost.” 

The lid was lifted, and as they looked upon 
that marble brow and saw the sweet smile on 
those lovely lips, there was a universal ex- 
clamation of : 

“ Oh, how superbly beautiful! ” 

Robert’s unstrung nerves could not stand 
the strain any longer, and he fell back into 
Beverly Armstrong’s arms, in a dead faint. 

It was a blessed relief to Robert, for it lasted 
all night, and everyone was thankful that he 
was spared the agony. Early in the morning 


210 


FOUR GIRLS 


a messenger was dispatched for the minister 
and a few friends, among whom were Marion, 
Ethel, and their parents. 

By eleven o’clock Robert had sufficiently 
recovered to attend the service, and when all 
had assembled in the room where his wife’s 
body lay, he walked in and took his position 
at the head of the bier, where he could look 
down at her for the last time. 

His father had made the minister acquainted 
with the facts of the case, so now it was his 
duty to enlighten the friends who had gathered 
around. 

After a few touching and heartfelt remarks, 
followed Bible passages; the prayer was said, 
then the friends walked silently past the casket 
to gaze upon her, and no one wondered at 
the husband’s infatuation, for she was as 
superbly lovely as mortal could be. 

They followed her to her last resting-place; 
then the friends returned to their homes. 


CHAPTER XXIII 

CONNUBIAL RITES 

Out of respect for her brother’s recent be- 
reavement, Maud had deferred her marriage 
until January. Although the New Year had 
set in dark, dismal, and disagreeable, this, her 
wedding morn, had dawned pleasant and sun- 
shiny, which, she thought, was ominous of a 
happy and desirous future life. 

-Maud had risen early, for the excitement 
had driven away the balm of slumber from 
her eyes, so arraying herself in her morning 
robe, she wended her footsteps toward the 
garden. 

The fresh morning air tinted her cheeks with 
a delicate rosy hue, and her blue eyes were as 

bright as twinkling stars. The gentle breeze 
211 


212 FOUR GIRLS 

had toyed with the loosened masses of her 
lovely waving tresses. She formed- a perfect 
picture as she walked back to the piazza where 
she saw her lover awaiting her. 

A glad smile illuminated his handsome face 
as he sprang to meet her with outstretched 
arms, in which he caught her in an impassioned 
embrace. 

“ My precious darling,” he said. “ I can 
scarcely realize that to-night will make you 
mine forever; it has seemed an interminable 
time to wait, and now that my happiness is 
so near at hand, I am completely overwhelmed 
at the idea.” 

“ Yes, dearest Beverly, it seems, too, that 
nature has joined with us, for the past week 
she has been weeping frozen tears, and to-day 
they have melted away in a flood of sunshine. 
May all the sorrows in our life end thus, is my 
most earnest wish.” 

“ I am glad, my darling girl, that you do 


CONNUBIAL RITES 


213 


not wish for perpetual sunshine; but I hope 
that our future may be tempered just enough 
to make life interesting, and that the bright- 
ness after every shadow will increase our af- 
fection for each other. 

“ I know you will be queen of society in our 
dear old city,” he continued, “ for they can- 
not fail to do homage to your talent and 
beauty.” 

“Ah, Beverly dear, you see through the 
glimmer of love, but others are not apt to see 
me in this light; so do not be greatly disap- 
pointed should I not prove the success you 
prophesy for me.” 

“ Well, we shall judge, my sweetheart, by 
the impression which you make on some of my 
relatives who will arrive to-day.” 

“ That will be quite an ordeal.” 

“ You are equal to the occasion, my stately 
queen, for I know they cannot resist you,” 
he replied. 


214 


FOUR GIRLS 


“Well, Beverly, after that compliment, I 
will try to do as you wish,” she replied 
laughingly. 

“ One more kiss before we go,” he said, look- 
ing askant at her, and she smiled lovingly as 
she gave the desired caress. 

By four o’clock everything was in readiness, 
and when the carriage, which went to the sta- 
tion for the groom’s relatives, arrived at the 
door, Mr. Armstrong was there to assist them 
to alight. 

First came a tall, silver-haired, aristocratic- 
looking lady, whom Beverly welcomed as 
“ Mother.” She was followed by his father, 
a decidedly stately old gentleman; then his 
sister, a lady of twenty-five, who was followed 
by her husband, a soldierly looking man, hold- 
ing a little girl by the hand. 

The Weatherstone family had collected on 
the piazza to give a hearty welcome to the 
newcomers, and during the introductions the 










“In a moment Robert had her in his arms. 












CONNUBIAL RITES 


215 


little girl had been looking most earnestly at 
Robert Weatherstone. 

“ Oh, Mamma! there is the sad man we met 
on the train.” 

In a moment Robert had her in his arms 
and was kissing her most tenderly, to the 
amazement of everyone except the child’s 
mother, who immediately recognized in him the 
stranger of the train episode. 

There was a brief explanation, then the 
party entered the drawing-room. 

“ Well, Mr. Weatherstone, I was not aware 
that you had any previous knowledge of any of 
my family.” 

“ Nor did I, until now, but I assure you that 
it gives me pleasure to find that my little friend 
will be somewhat connected with me, for I 
know we shall be great chums after this.” 

“ Well, this is a coincidence, and I am truly 
glad of it, too,” the mother said, “ for that 
valuable ring you gave Lorena has always been 


216 FOUR GIRLS 


a source of uneasiness to me. I did not like 
to accept it, you know.” 

Beverly’s father and mother had been 
watching the beautiful girl who was so soon 
to be their daughter, and from their expres- 
sion, they seemed very much pleased, for the 
former said: 

“Well, Beverly, my boy, you have waited 
a long time to make a choice, but I think I am 
safe in saying you are a fortunate man.” 

Maud blushed at the compliment, as her 
lover looked at her. 

“Yes, Father, you are right. All good 
things come to those who wait, and I consider 
that I have gotten the best,” he said, as he 
slipped his arm around Maud’s slender 
waist. 

“Wait, young man, not so fast,” answered 
his brother-in-law. “ Perhaps there are other 
men who could say the same thing,” and he 
looked lovingly at his own wife. 


% 

# 


CONNUBIAL RITES 


217 


As night drew near the wintry wind blew 
crisp and cold, whistling through the branches 
of the trees, but it was not so disagreable but 
what friends who had been invited to partici- 
pate in the marriage feast could attend. The 
grand old house was a galaxy of light, and 
the conservatories had contributed all that was 
beautiful among the flowers in its possession, 
making the place a bower of loveliness. 

Of all the beauties, there was none which 
could outshine the bride in her white satin 
dress and long veil of matchless material, as 
she slowly entered the parlor, gracefully lean- 
ing on her father’s arm. Amid the soft strains 
of sweet music, the words were spoken which 
were forever to unite her to the man by her 
side. After the congratulations were spoken 
a grand feast was partaken of. The bride and 
her husband were not to leave for New Orleans 
until the following day, then Maud was to bid 
farewell to her old life and enter upon the new. 


218 


FOUR GIRLS 


Next morning. Mr. and Mrs. Seewell and 
their little girl left for their Northern Home, 
while Mr. Armstrong, his bride, mother, and 
father left for their home in New Orleans. 
When the latter party arrived at their destina- 
tion and left the train, they were met by many 
of Mr. Armstrong’s friends, who were waiting 
to give them a hearty welcome. 

Their carriage was in waiting, drawn by 
two coal-black horses, which was to convey 
them home. Beverly pointed out places of 
interest along the way, then the carriage 
turned into St. Charles Street, where some of 
the most beautiful residences of the city are 
situated, and where her home was to be. 

After a delightful ride, the carriage stopped 
before what was to Maud’s notion, the most 
elegant mansion she had yet seen, and when 
they ascended the steps, Beverly said: 

“ Welcome home, my precious wife; I hope 
you will be pleased with life in our city.” 


CONNUBIAL RITES 


219 


“ Thank you, my husband; I know I shall, 
having you by my side.” 

He smiled fondly at her as they entered the 
spacious hall, then escorted her through the 
house. 

When Mardi Gras season was near, Maud 
sent for Luella, and they enjoyed seeing the 
grand procession, equaled nowhere. 


CHAPTER XXIV 
ethel’s wedding day 

Three weeks after the preceding events, 
Ethel Easton opened her eyes on the last morn- 
ing of her maidenhood, for that night, she was 
to become Mrs. Bertrand Roseland, and leave 
her far Southern home where her childhood and 
girlhood had been spent as the idol of her 
parents. 

She was to leave all this for love of a man 
in whose honor and integrity she was willing 
to place her whole future; and she thought, 
as the first dawn of day entered and kissed 
her fair cheek: 

“ How sacred a thing is the marriage tie ! 
How it binds the hearts together, so as to make 
the participants willing to brave any and 

everything for each other’s sake. It makes a 

220 


ETHELS WEDDING DAY 221 


woman leave her parents, home, and friends, 
and trust herself to the mercy of the man she 
marries.” 

Marion came over early in the day and 
superintended all the decorations and assisted 
Mrs. Easton in many ways. The marriage 
had been set for eight o’clock, and the guests 
began to arrive at seven. 

The parlor was a bower of evergreen and 
flowers, and a large bell of forget-me-nots and 
daisies was hung for the young couple to 
stand under. Marion was not bridesmaid, but 
maid-of-honor, and very pretty she looked in 
her white lace over crimson satin, with only a 
red rose placed in her raven locks for an 
adornment, and she flitted here and there 
among the guests, having a pleasant word and 
a smile for each. 

The clock struck eight; the minister took 
his place, and as the strains of the wedding 
march pealed forth, the young couple came 


222 FOUR GIRLS 

forward to be united in the holy bonds of mat- 
rimony. 

Ethel was a vision of loveliness, in a robe of 
white satin embroidered with silver, and a 
handsome necklace of diamonds encircling 
her white throat. Bertrand, too, looked hand- 
some and happy, as if he thought he had 
drawn the prize among girls. 


CHAPTER XXV 


AFTER TWO YEARS 

Winter and spring had passed, and the ra- 
diance of early summer filled the earth with 
joyous gladness. The birds had come forth 
warbling their sweet songs; all nature was 
fragrant with the odor of matchless flowers. 

The whole woods was filled with melody; 
the air was tremulous with the whisperings of 
the perfume-laden breeze amid newly unfurled 
leaves on the great oaks outside the window, 
where Marion sat, this lovely evening, gazing 
out on the bluest of blue skies, as if to pene- 
trate the veil .which so shrouded her future 
from view. 

“ Mine is a lonely lot, indeed,” she mused. 
“ I am pining my life away with vain regrets 
and bitter longings, while the other girls are 

223 


224 


FOUR GIRLS 


radiantly happy. Ethel and Maud are blessed 
in their husbands’ love; Luella has met the 
man of her choice and will be married soon. 

But ” Her brow softened and a sparkling 

light came into her dark eyes, as a thought 
seemed to come to her. 

“Amid it all, he stands bearing his sorrow 
as only the brave and noble can, and why should 
I complain? Is his lot not far harder to con- 
tend with? Yet he is patient, struggling man- 
fully with the sad recollections of the past. I 
will mope no more, but shake off this de- 
spondency and try the fresh air for a tonic.” 

Putting on her hat and gloves, she started 
out for a walk. She had gone but a short dis- 
tance, when who should she perceive coming in 
a buggy, and at a dangerously fast pace, but 
the object of her thoughts. Her heart beat 
against her breast like a poor captive bird 
longing to he free, hut she composed herself, 
as the buggy stopped and the occupant 


AFTER TWO YEARS 225 

alighted by her side. It was Robert Weather- 
stone. 

“ Why, this is an agreeable surprise,” he 
said, as he held out his hand, “ but the pleasure 
is only forestalled, for my intention was to call 
upon you, it being such a delightful evening 
to take a drive. Will you come? ” 

“ Certainly, I will,” she answered, “ but we 
must return to the house and acquaint Mother 
of the fact, or she might be worried.” 

“ There you are again, little friend, always 
thoughtful of others,” he answered. 

“ Well, it is my duty, Mr. Weatherstone, 
for surely she has the right to know.” 

“ Yes, but I have noticed it in many cases 
where it was not your duty. You are always 
putting self aside to please others.” 

“ You certainly have an exalted opinion of 
me,” said Marion, laughingly. 

“ Marion,” he began, after they had started 
for their drive, “ can you guess why I have 


226 


FOUR GIRLS 


asked you to drive with me this evening? It 
was from a selfish motive. I have a question 
to ask, and I could delay no longer, for I 
wished to know my fate.” 

“ It must be something serious,” she replied, 
“ from the intonation of your voice, Mr. 
Weatherstone.” 

“ Yes, so it is. So much so, that I dread to 
ask it lest I should be refused; then, Marion, 
what would be the consequences? My only 
hope, then, is that what I am about to ask will 
be granted, so that the future will hold some 
allurements, something to look forward to with 
pleasure and satisfaction.” 

Marion was all of a joyous flutter, for she 
felt what was coming. 

“ Well,” she replied, “ if what you have to 
ask, Mr. Weatherstone, I hold in my power to 
grant, you have simply to name it and I am 
sure that I shall do my utmost to promote 
your happiness.” 


AFTER TWO YEARS 


227 


“ God bless you, my little one, for that gen- 
erous speech. You, and you alone, can grant 
it, for it is yourself that I would ask for. You 
must have known that I loved you; I admired 
you before Una’s death, but my deep love for 
her has kept me true to her memory until now, 
and I know that, as the past dims, my love for 
you grows stronger. With you as my com- 
panion, the future will have a golden lining. 
Tell me, Marion, will you be my wife? ” 

In the stillness of the evening calm even 
the birds seemed to stop their glad refrain to 
listen for the reply. 

“ Yes, Robert, my one hope, my one long- 
ing has been for that question to pass your 
lips, that I might show you what woman’s love 
meant, for I have loved you since first we met. 
Now I am rewarded. Yes, I will marry you, 
only don’t think me unwomanly or forward 
in thus telling you, for my affections have 
been penned up so long that I have a right to 


228 FOUR GIRLS 

express them. It is beyond my power to re- 
sist.” 

“Darling, it is sweet to hear those words. 
I thought that you cared for me, but not with 
the vehemence that you now admit. Woman’s 
power is great in controlling her feelings!” 
He paused for a moment, then continued: 

“Do you know, dearest, that for months 
I have put off asking you this question that 
was tormenting me, with the thought that you 
would refuse me. Then I would ask myself 
why you had remained single so long, for I 
knew, dear, that suitors for your hand were 
not lacking. This thought gave me courage. 
Oh, Marion, we both realize what this evening 
is to us, and our union will certainly be 
blessed.” 

“ Yes, I think so, for love like ours cannot 
be otherwise,” she answered. 

“ Tell me, my dearest Marion, had I not 
loved you, would you have remained single? ” 


AFTER TWO YEARS 229 

“ Yes, Robert.” How it thrilled him to 
hear her utter his name. “ My love for you 
is so strong that the thought of a union with 
anyone else was repulsive to me. I tried to 
argue myself out of this feeling, that is, when 
I began to think you did not care for me, but 
my love had centered itself upon you, and, 
try as I would, it would not be rooted up. I 
had resigned myself to circumstances, but only 
this evening I was bemoaning my fate, and 
got so morbid over the prospects that I wan- 
dered out for a walk to try to change my 
thoughts.” 

“ It must be true,” replied Robert, “ that 
sometimes we mortals are tried to the utmost 
of our endurance, but if we remain steadfast, 
we are generally rewarded.” 

“ It looks that way in our case,” answered 
Marion, “ for the prospects before us were 
gloomy enough, but now ” 

She raised her luminous dark eyes, shining 


230 


FOUR GIRLS 


with love, to his. He could resist no longer, 
but letting the lines fall in his lap, he clasped 
her in his arms and showered her with kisses. 

It was quite late before they returned home 
that night, but neither Mr. nor Mrs. Roseland 
had retired, and Mr. Weatherstone could not 
resist asking their consent for Marion. “ I 
wish to feel that she is entirely mine,” he said. 

Both parents knew that their daughter 
would be well cared for, so they gave her their 
willing consent, and Robert Weatherstone re- 
turned to his home a far happier man than he 
had been for many a year. 


FINIS 









* * * The Belle 

of the Bluegrass 

v*/ \\t 

By H. D. PITTMAN 

^ This is a bit of real literature that should be in 
every library. It is a story of strong heart-interest 
with scenes laid in the picturesque state of Kentucky. 
It depicts, as no previous novel does, people and places 
in the famous “Blue Grass” state soon after the close 
of the Civil war. The “Belle” is one of the sweet- 
est, most lovable characters in modern fiction, and her 
little love story cannot but interest everyone. The 
reader fairly scents the waving grass, the fragrant flowers 
of old Kentucky. 


Bound in Cloth and Beautifully Illustrated 
with Photogravure and Frontispiece in Colors 


Price $1.50 

AT ALL BOOKSELLERS OR SENT PREPAID BY 

The C. M. CLARK PUBLISHING CO. 

BOSTON, MASS. 





Maid 


By 


of the 


FREDERICK 

A. 

RAT 


Mohawk 


A ROMANCE OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY 
IN THE DAYS OF THE REVOLUTION 

<L The picturesque valley of the Mohawk 
River — one of the tributary streams of the 
mighty Hudson — was the theatre of some 
of the most exciting incidents of the Ameri- 
can Revolution. 

«L It was settled by a mixture of Dutch, 
English and Irish and was the very border 
land of the Briton’s most terrible ally — the 
Indian. 

«L In this fruitful region Mr. Ray has loca- 
ted the principal scenes of his romance and 
the only wonder is that no one has done it 
before him. 

c. All of the characters are actively con- 
cerned in the Revolutionary War and many 
of them are historical personages, among 
whom might be mentioned : General Wash- 
ington, Major Andre, Benedict Arnold, Sir 
Henry Clinton, James Riverton and many 
others. Whatever they do in the story is in 
perfect harmony with history. 

BOUND IN CLOTH 

BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED WITH FRONTIS- 
PIECE IN COLORS 


Price, $1.50 


AT ALL BOOKSELLERS OR SENT PREPAID BY 


THE C. M. CLARK PUBLISHING CO., Boston , Mass. 



STORY FOR BOYS 


SIGNAL 

LIGHTS 

— BY — 

LOUISE M. HOPKINS 

^ A Frontier Story of the good, old fashioned sort. 

^ The plot starts with a whoop, and fairly races to 
the last chapter. 

ITS THE SORT OF BOOK A BOY WILL FOR- 
GET HIS DINNER TO READ. 

Its tone is healthy and vigorous — It excites no 
morbid fancies — it will do the boy good to read it. 

^ The story is full of characters that 
have good, red blood in them. The 
hero, Newton Bolt, is just the sort of 
boy you would like your own to be. 

Fully Illustrated — Handsomely Bound in Cloth 


Price, $1.50 

AT ALL BOOKSELLERS OR SENT PREPAID BY 

The C. M. Clark Publishing Co. 

BOSTON 



THE UNIQUE NOVEL OF THE TEAR 


©UT 

©F THE 

Ashes 


By 

HARNEY 

RENNOLDS 


The Story of a Phoenix- 
Like Love, which Rises in 
Splendor Out of the Ashes 
of a Seemingly Dead Past 


it is A 

Liberal Education in JV irldliness 

A POSSIBLE SOLUTION 
to tht 

SOCIAL PROBLEM 

of 

DIVORCE 

IT’S LIFE— REAL LIFE 

Price 

$1.50 

Fully Illustrated 
Attractively Bound in Cloth 

THE C. M. CLARK 
PUBLISHING COMPANY 
Boston, Mass. 



The UNTAMED 
PHILOSOPHER 

AT HOME AND WITH 

THE PLUGONIANS 
OF PLUGOLIA 

Being a Tale of Hens and some other People 

by FRANK W. HASTINGS 

AUTHOR OF SEVERAL WIDELY UNKNOWN WORKS 

The book is a series of deliciously funny essays on such 
things as Marriage, Work, Love, Country, Church, Wrecks, 
Politics, Sundries, etc. 

The book bears this unique dedication, “To the ever- 
lasting, ever present, ever dignified, ever-plentiful and never 
murmuring weather these evidences of dementia are inscribed.” 

It is quite the funniest book of philosophy ever published 
and one of the best works of humor that have been issued in 
many years. 



THE C. M. CLARK PUBLISHING CO. 

BOSTON, MASS. 



By the Author of “JAY GOULD HARMON” 


PINEY 

HOME 

BY 

GEORGE SELWYN KIMBALL 


A Charming Story of the Maine woods, charged 
with the balsam of fir and pine, — consequently 
wholesome in every line. : : : : : : : : 


FULL OF VIRILE ACTION 


“Its motives are as fine and natural as their environment. 
There is plenty of action and adventure, and all is pervaded by a 
love of nature.” 

— Boston Herald. 

“ Quaint description of rural life.” 

— Baltimore American. 

“ Mr. Kimball possesses the power of making the simple, 
every-day incidents full of interest.” 

— Washington (D. C.) Post. 

“ The whole story is so charmingly told, so well hung together, 
that the only way to appreciate it is to read and re-read it. It’s 
worth while.” 

— Pittsburgh Press. 


CLOTH BOUND 

Price $1.50 

At all booksellers, or sent prepaid by 

The C. M. CLARK PUBLISHING CO. 
BOSTON 



All Lovers of Nature Should Read 

“ Jay Gould Harmon 

WITH 

MAINE FOLKS 


BY 

GEORGE SELWYN KIMBALL 


“ Full of life, not a dull line. Action, thrilling situations, ad- 
venture, love. Human interest-fills every page. A story fragrant 
of the Maine woods.” 

—Wall St. Journal. 


“ Is full of vigor and distinctly realistic. Its description of the 
lumber drive is of compelling interest, an absolute photograph from 
life ; indeed, a most remarkable piece of writing. One fairly hears 
the rush and the roar of the waters, the hoarse voices of the lumber 
men and the grinding of the myriad logs upon each other in the 
stream. Masterly handling of incident and dialogue. A splendid 
success.” 

— • The Boston Transcript , Nov. 8th. 


ANOTHER 

“QUINCY ADAMS SAWYER” 


TEN FULL-PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS 

Bound in Red Silk Cloth and Gold 


Price, $1.50 

At all Booksellers or sent prepaid by 

The C.M. CLARK PUBLISHING CO 

BOSTON 



A PICTURE OF SOUTHERN LIFE 

In the 

Shoe String Country 

BY 

FREDERICK CHAMBERLIN 


^ This is a powerful novel. It shows pres- 
ent political conditions of the negro problem 
in the famous Shoe String congressional dis- 
tricts in the heart of the Black Belt in Alabama. 

^ The Political facts, to the smallest details, 
are not imaginary, but actually true incidents 
of recent campaigns. 

«L Here is a book that has made an im- 
pression on the reading world. 

A book that all women, who are interested 
in the financial and political doings of our 
country will read and discuss with as much 
pleasure as the men, among whom it has cre- 
ated a sensation. 


CLOTH BOUND ILLUSTRATED 

Price, 1.50 

At all booksellers or send prepaid by 

The C. M. CLARK PUBLISHING CO. 
BOSTON 



A Book that Reminds one of the works of 
Washington Irving, is 

The 

KENTUCKIAN 

By JAMES BALL MAY LOR 

Author of " Ralph Marlowe ” 

«L By all odds the best work of the Author. 

«L One of the few contributions to contemporary Book- 
making that will pass down to our grandchildren as liter- 
ature. 

c. THE KENTUCKIAN is Vance Chatham, a 
grand young man, who leaves his native state and 
becomes a school teacher in a small town in South- 
ern Ohio. Here he incurs the enmity of a gang 
of horse-thieves, and finally drives them out of town. 
He also mixes with abolitionists and a host of other 
interesting characters, finally winning as his wife a 
noble young woman. The story is told with the 
simplicity of Hawthorne and the imagery of Wash- 
ington Irving, 


Price, $ 1.50 

THE C. M. CLARK PUBLISHING CO., 
BOSTON, MASS. 



THAT MERRY BOOK. 



By 

FRANK CARLOS GRIFFITH 



The story is of a quaint old “Down East” blacksmith 
who is made United States Consul in a Zululand prov- 
ince. A delightful satire full of crisp, crackling wit 
and humor. Better than “David Harum” and “Josiah 
Allen’s Wife” combined and nothing like either. There 
are a half-dozen hearty laughs on every page and 255 
pages — that makes 

1530 Laughs in the Book 

The U. S. Consul to Boolahackentula, Zululand, South 
Africa, formerly Asa King of Dixfield, Oxford County, 
Maine, will entertain you with the story of his experiences. 

Price, SI. 50 Illustrated by A. B. Shute 

C. M. CLARK 

PUBLISHING COMPANY, Inc. 

BOSTON, MASS. 



AN INDIAN ROMANCE 

Lords of the Soil 

BY 

Lydia A. Jocelyn and Nathan J. Cuffee 


One of the Most Fascinating Stories published since 
the days of J. Fenimore Cooper. 


“A HIAWATHA IN PROSE.” 

Boston Herald , Sept. 16th , 1905 


“ The effort to preserve truthfully the atmosphere of time has 
been altogether successful. The story is full of picturesque charm, 
of pathos, and of a certain rich symbolism.” 

— Chicago News, Oct. 77 , 7905. 

“A large amount of information on these subjects is woven into 
the story which abounds in romantic incidents.” 

— Pittsburg Post , Oct. 9, 7995'. 


Ten full page illustrations , with frontispiece in colors 
Silk cloth binding , illustrated cover 


Price, $ 1.50 

At all bookstores, or sent prepaid by 

The C. M. CLARK PUBLISHING CO. 
BOSTON 



■■= THE ===== 

Baronet Rag-Picker 

A ROMANCE OF LONE AND ADVENTURE 
By CHARLES S. COOM 


MR. COOM HAS WRITTEN OF CLEVER, LOVABLE PEOPLE 
SUCH AS WE ALL KNOW IN EVERY DAY LIFE 0 0 


C. TEN Full. Page 
Illustrations with 
Colored Frontispiece 


C, 380 Pages of most 
interesting reading 
and a story that will 
please every one 


«L Bound in Silk 
Cloth stamped in 
many colors making 
most unique and 
attractive Cover 


C, In Paper, Press- 
work and Typography 
it is the climax of 
Bookmaking 


RETAIL PRICE 

81.50 

FOR SALE BY ALL BOOKSELLERS OR SENT POSTPAID 
BY THE PUBLISHERS ON RECEIPT OF PRICE 


C. M. Clark Publishing Co,, Inc. 

211 Tremont St. Boston, Mass. 


THE C. M. CLARK PUBLISHING CO. 

OFFERS 

91 J^eto Book of Cratai 

By FREDERICK CHAMBERLIN 

Author of “In the Shoe String Country” 


/ AROUND \ 
THE WORLD 
IN NINETY 
V DAYS J 


350 ILLUSTRATIONS FROM PHOTOS 
TAKEN BY THE AUTHOR. 

PRICE * $3.50 * NET 


No such book of travel has been issued since STAN- 
LEY’S African Books. Including the first published 
description of the MIDWAY ISLANDS, the strangest 
land belonging to this country C, An unusual chat with 
LILIUOKALANI. CL A remarkable interview with 
AGUINALDO. C. Exciting scenes in Canton, Singapore, 
Ceylon, Arabia, Egypt. CL Photographs of VESUVIUS 
IN ACTION. 


TEEMING WITH LIFE AND ACTION 



Greatest of All Country Novels 

Quincy Adams 
Sawyer 

BY 

CHARLES FELTON PIDGIN 
THE BEST 

NEW ENGLAND STORY 
EVER WRITTEN 

It has been one of the Best selling Books ever 
published and IT IS STILL SELLING 

A Simple Tale of Country Life 

It is full of homely human interest — there is a wealth 
of New England village character, 
scenes and incidents 

Those who have Read it will want their 
Children to Enjoy it 

IT IS KNOWN AND READ IN 
EVERY HOME IN THE LAND 


Illustrated Cover Several Full Page Illustrations 

Cloth Bound, $1.50 

At all booksellers or sent postpaid by 

The C. M. CLARK PUBLISHING CO. 
BOSTON 




JUL 26 1906 





